Symbolism: ‘The Secret Life Of Bees’ “Lily Melissa Owens, your jar is open.” (Kidd, 41). Just like the bees escaped the jar, Lily has to, in able to find her freedom. Lily Owens, the main character, is living with an abusive father, who won’t let her out of her ‘jar’ (home). ‘The Secret Life Of Bees’ is set in 1964, during the Civil Rights Movement. Rosaleen, her caretaker, is arrested, which Lily responds to by breaking her out of jail. To avoid being caught or returning to home, Lily and Rosaleen leave town, escaping the ‘jar’. The symbol of the bees has a huge impact on the story and, in ways, foreshadows her capture, and guides Lily. Even though the Boatwright sisters are not family, they love Lily, and introduce her to the bees. The moment when Lily is introduced to beekeeping, “...you can help me and Zach with the bees.” (Kidd, 74), a love of them started growing. This majorly impacted the story because events are starting to revolve around bees. She meets Zach, finds the Boatwright sisters, and learns about her mother? Bees. …show more content…
Some foreshadowing in the story with the bees, “...it went into a tailspin, throwing itself against the glass over and over with pops and clicks…” (Kidd 10). This is foreshadowing to the very end when T. Ray, Lily’s abusive father, shows up. The quote, “He walked straight toward me and reached for my arm. When I jerked away, he brought his hand across my face.” (Kidd, 294), shows Lily as she is about to be thrown back into her ‘jar’, just like the