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The Secret Life Of Bees By Sue Monk Kidd

646 Words3 Pages

In the novel "the secret use of Bees" Sue Monk showed the importance mothers have in the roles they play in their daughters' lives and how it might affect them. "The Secret Life of Bees," by Sue Monk Kidd, follows the transforming journey of the main character Lily Owens. Set against the backdrop of 1960s racial tensions, Lily's life is formed by the presence and influence of numerous mother figures who have a significant impact on her growth and development. These mother figures, such as Rosaleen, August, and the Virgin Mary, provide Lily the love, wisdom, and understanding she craves, allowing her to finally negotiate her terrible history, embrace her individuality, and find consolation in a new family. A fierce protector and a catalyst …show more content…

August, the beekeeping family's matriarch, becomes a loving mentor and a source of great insight for Lily. August's loving presence, paired with her great beekeeping skills, serves as a metaphor for the strength of community and the interdependence of life.“Well,” August said, going right on with her pasting, “you know, she’s really just the figurehead off an old ship, but the people needed comfort and rescue, so when they looked at it, they saw Mary, and so the spirit of Mary took it over. Her spirit is everywhere, Lily, just everywhere.” Throughout August, Lily learns about love, forgiveness, and the importance of accepting one's past. August's unconditional love and acceptance aid Lily in healing from her traumatic background, giving her the courage to face her fears and …show more content…

Lily, who is drawn to the image of the Black Madonna, finds refuge in the Mother Mary statue in the Boatwrights' honey home. Lily was shocked to find a little black statue of the Virgin Mary. The statue has an impact on her because, as stated in the statement, it appears to "understand" her; that is, it appears to know all about her hidden worries and concerns, for example, her guilt over her mother's death.” The lips on the statue had a beautiful, bossy half smile, the sight of which caused me to move both my hands up to my throat. Everything about that smile said, Lily Owens, I know you down to the core.” Lily looks to the Virgin Mary for guidance and comfort, trusting in her goodness and loving presence. Lily's spiritual bond with the Black Madonna serves as a conduit for her inner change, helping her to discover forgiveness, love, and redemption inside

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