Thesis Statement

The recurring theme throughout “The Secret Life of Bees” is the importance of the mother

figure to the maturation and growth of her daughter.  When looking at this from a literary perspective rather than sociological, you become aware of the archetypal mother figure.  An archetype is a universally understood symbol of a prototype upon which others are patterned.  They are often a model of a person, personality, or behavior.  Archetype is often referred to as a stereotype, as it is a personality type observed multiple times. 

            My thesis is the aspects of the archetype the women fulfill.  The female archetype is one of the most diverse in literature, as there are many different types, such as: Mother Nature, Virgin Mother, a good mother, a smothering mother, a teen mother, Fairy Godmother, a Grandmother, etc.  A mother is supposed to be nurturing, guiding, and supportive, as well as provides protectiveness and resourcefulness.  A mother influences a child’s growth, specifically a daughter, and helps them move to independence and maturity. 

            Many of the female characters in this novel symbolize the various archetype features.  In my thesis study, I will explore the deeper meaning that the female characters hold within this story and relate it to their connection to the archetypal mother figure.  As noted, “in the end, you have to find a mother inside yourself” (Kidd 288).  Rosaleen and August both became motherly figures for Lily.  Rosaleen acted as a tough-love type of mother, and August was very loving.  June and August also acted motherly for May, even though she was their sister.  They took care of her and loved her.  Throughout my essay I will discover more about the mother archetype. 

Symbols and Themes

            I have now read through all of my chosen novel, The Secret Life of Bees.  I fell in love with this book from the beginning, mostly because of the many themes that are easy to relate to.  One of the main themes is the ludicrousness of racism.  The main character, Lily, assumed that all African American women have no education and creativity.  She anticipated that just because her nanny, Rosaleen, had no schooling, then no one else would.  Upon meeting independent, intelligent, and resourceful August she realized how wrong she was.  This was an unfortunate mistake, as Lily’s assumptions were a fault.  Also, she had assumed that all black boys would be unattractive.  Zack is a very handsome young man who happens to be coloured.  Lily realizes that her whole life she has been unfairly judgemental.  The theme is that you should never judge someone before meeting them, especially by what is on the outside. 

            Another theme is the importance of female community.  Lily longed for a mother, as hers had died when she was at a young age.  Lily cherishes her mother’s few possessions she has and is aware of all of the motherly occasions she has missed.  Though she lacked a mother, she has Rosaleen who took care of her.  Since Rosaleen was locked in jail, Lily and her were able to embark on a journey that would change both of their lives.  Lily then met the Boatwright sisters, who all acted like Lily’s family.  The theme is that you do not have to be blood related to someone to consider them family. 

            The final theme is the need to story tell.  Lily loved to make up adventures in her head and dreamed of being a writer.  She fantasized stories of what her mother had really been like and daydreamed of places and things she would do in her future.  While living with the Boatwright sisters she realized how important it was to pass down tales from generation to generation.  The theme was that in order to understand the future, we must know our past. 

            There were many symbols throughout the novel.  People were often compared to bees, as like bees, humans have to work together to accomplish a common goal.  For example, there is the Queen Bee, who would be August.  Photographs are also very symbolic, as they represent the past.  The Black Mary is a symbol present throughout most of the novel.  She signifies a bond, belief, and hope. 

            I have really enjoyed this novel.  If you are looking for a book that will change your view on life and give you motivation this is for you. 

Imagery

            In “The Secret Life of Bees,” the relationship between bees and humans is present within the entire novel.  Bees are present throughout the story and are Lily’s guide in her journey of discovering who she really is.    

            Bees symbolize rebirth, exploration, maturation, and personal growth.  When Lily arrived at the Boatwright household she was immediately welcomed, especially by August.  In a way, August was a mother figure to Lily.  The queen bee, the leader of the hive, symbolizes August.  Like August, the queen holds the clan together and is their leader and role model.  As the novel goes on, Lily becomes an accomplished beekeeper which symbolizes her growth as an individual.  The bees guide Lily, accompany her, and drive her forward to learn more about herself. 

            Throughout the novel, the Black Mary that the Boatwright sisters worship is a prominent figure.  She symbolizes the importance in having faith and believing in something larger than life. 

            In “The Secret Life of Bees,” life is often compared to everyday situations.  This interesting writing style is one of the many reasons that this novel is life changing and inspirational. 

The Beginning

The book I have chosen is called “The Secret Life of Bees,” written by Sue Monk Kidd.  So far I am about half way through the novel and I am in love with it.  It is a very intriguing story of a girl trying to find herself and discover who her mother really was. 

The story is narrated from 14-year old Lily’s point of view.  She lives with her horrible father, who she calls T. Ray, as she feels dad does not suit him.  Her very first and only memory of her mother was when she was cleaning out her closet.  T. Ray and Lily’s mother were fighting and her mother grabbed a gun in self defense.  The gun was dropped and 4 year old Lily grabbed the gun off the floor.  As she was handing it to her mother the gun fired and her mother was killed. 

On Lily’s 14^th birthday their maid, Rosaleen, took Lily to town with her.  Rosaleen was black but wanted to sign up to vote.  A group of white men attacked her, calling names and kicking her.  When she tried to fight back the police were called, Rosaleen was arrested and T. Ray had to pick Lily up from the station.  T. Ray was extremely angry and beat Lily, and Lily knew it was time for her to leave town.  She broke Rosaleen out of jail and they escaped to Tiburon, South Carolina.  Lily chose this location because the only thing she had of her mother’s was a picture of a black Mary with the name of this city written on the back.   

When the pair finally reached the heart of Tiburon they stopped at a variety store.  They had no idea where they would go from here but needed food.  Here, Lily saw a jar of honey with a picture of the black Mary.  They got directions to the honey farm and travelled there.  Once they reached the house they met the Boatwright sisters, August, June, and May.  Lily said that her parents had recently passed away and they were looking for their aunt and just passing by.  August welcomed them in to their home and Rosaleen and Lily were invited to stay for as long as they would want.    

            I am really enjoying this novel.  There is a lot of racism in the story so far, and I have a feeling more is to come as Lily, who is a white child, is living with four black women.  I hope the story continues to be amazing and eye opening.