The Secret Life Of Bees Lily Owens Character Analysis

Bee-ing

Hot summer days of South Carolina, the buzzing of millions of bees filling your ears and the scent of honey every step of the way. This is the set of Sue Monk Kidd’s novel, The Secret Life of Bees in which Lily Owens, the protagonist, shows the reader a series of emotions throughout a fascinating plot. The novel is based on the story of a fourteen year old girl who, as a child, was guilty for her mother’s death. Lily’s life has been a constant nightmare ever since because of her father’s cruelty, therefore she decides to escape to Tiburon, SC and learn the truth about her mother’s past. The psychological changes and living conditions of Lily Owens cause her to become more of a brave, caring and confident person than she is presented

Entering August’s house for the first time, the statue of Our Lady made her curious and at the same time, brought distinct feelings inside her. Lily states that “Standing there, [she] loved [herself] and hated [herself]” (71). Lily experiences a mixture of feelings which brings a new outlook of her own personality. Instead of focusing on who she really is, the challenges she is presented with are more confusing than helpful. Lily has moments where she wishes that “[she] could, [herself], lie down in [a beehive tomb] and be reborn” (207). The protagonist feels the need to take a break from the world and maybe even restart her life. There are also times when the voices in Lily’s head scream “You are unlovable, Lily Owens. Unlovable” (242). The conversation with August about her mother’s death emphasizes the volume of this criticism, marking a breaking point in Lily’s life, which ultimately leads to the recognition of how much she is adored by everyone around her. August tries to calm Lily down by confessing that “... [She] loves [her]. Just like [she] loved [her] mother”(243). These words portray the key step to aid Lily realize her importance in the world, enhancing her confidence immediately.Lily learns to accept herself and with the help of the warmth surrounding her, the conflict with her inner self comes to a conclusion.

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd is a work of art with a courageous, kind and passionate protagonist, who gives young readers a taste of the real meaning of tough life. The novel itself is full of lessons and wisdom, pieces of advice that could easily be applied in the everyday