How Does Lily Change In The Secret Life Of Bees

Introduction In the novel, “The Secret Life of Bees,” written by Sue Monk Kidd an important character who showed maturity and took significant action in her life was Lily. We see this when (1) she leaves home and (2) moves in with the Boatwright sisters and, at the end of novel, (3) challenging her father and making the decision to become a permanent part of the Boatwright community. We see Lily begin to trust her own instincts and have the courage to forgive herself as she grows under the care of the Boatwright sisters.

Lily leaving home was an important action she took that shows maturity on her part. This action showed that she was both stable minded enough and grown up to be able to make a concious decision about a life-altering aspect

"In a matter of seconds, I knew exactly what I had to do— leave. I had to get away from T. Ray, who was probably on his way back this minute to do Lord-knows-what to me." This first action she takes sparks a series of life changing actions and events. By making this first step, in the many she would come to take, Lily is able to trust herself knowing that what she is doing is for her own safety. If Lily had never taken that leap of courage and left her home, under the 'care' of her abusive father, (T-Ray), she would have been stuck in a sense of Limbo, suffering from her personal lack of potential and growth. This first action of courage and maturity to listen to her insticts and her intuition, enabled her grow into the strong she is by the end of the novel.The author wanted to show us that it is important for us, as a reader, to be able to listen to our instincts, and to the little voice inside our heads that encourage us to protect and stand up for ourselves. By doing that, it could open up a whole world of possibilities that could possibly make or break

Lily's final action in the novel showed how far she came as a person to be able to stand up to the man who both mentally and physically terrorised her for far too long. Lily challengeing her father showed her character development and maturity. Lily no longer had to cower away from the man infront of her. It was this final act of courage that allowed Lily to be able to stand back and admire her new life that she fought for. "And there they were. All these mothers. I have more mothers than any eight girls off the street. They are the moons shining over