There is often a time in someone's life when they begin to come of age. This can mean a variety of things depending on the person and their community. When someone starts to come of age, they’re beginning to mature and are being seen more as an adult by those surrounding them. Whether this be simply gaining a new understanding or achievement, it changes them. Experiencing loss, a changed perception of parents, and finding identity, are a couple of broad components that can contribute to this coming-of-age experience. “The Secret Life of Bees” by Sue Monk Kidd, follows the life of Lily Owens during the time when the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was passed. Lily is a 14-year-old girl whose mom’s death continues to haunt her and she faces abuse from her father. She is immature, naive, reckless, and lacks emotional intelligence. She and her black caregiver run away, following the last hints of her mother’s past. On her journey, Lily learns how to overcome the loss. She gains a greater understanding of her parents, facing many conflicting feelings. And she finds a community and her own identity. Loss is a powerful thing that can drastically change the way one experiences it. Throughout the story, Lily struggles …show more content…
Finding your group and who you are can have a drastic effect on one's life. In “The Secret Life of Bees,” Lily is an outsider at school. She wants to fit in and be like the other girls at school, but T-Ray gives her a few luxuries. She hates how her hair is, wishing she had a mother to do it and wants the clothes that are in style. She has yet to find herself. After some time with the Boatwrights, Lily starts to become a part of their community, joining their religion. She has found a new family and love. With August, she experiences the love of a mother she had craved. Finally, she is accepted by June and feels this is the place she truly belongs. She has found a purpose in these people and is helping