The Secret Life of Bees

Prompt: Character Development
Page: Finished

     In The Secret Life of Bees a girl who had just turned 14, Lily,  is still trying to figure out a way to live in peace, which is hard considering the Civil Rights movement is happening. She just wanted to stop feeling guilt for her mother, to start knowing exactly why her mother died. To stop having her own father keep pushing her in an empty void. To stop trying to fit in just to be popular. She needs a fresh start. How could Lily start a new life if she herself does not know how? She first needs answers and a companion to help her. Her companion is the only person she has cared about more than anything. That is her African house nanny, Rosaleen. When Rosaleen went to go vote, some of the most racist men in town had a little interference with her. Which, of course, made her go to jail along with Lily who was by her side the whole time. Eventually T-Ray, Lily's father, was only able to bail Lily out. At home Lily figured that was her opportunity to leave and start all over. Of course, she has to take Rosaleen. Her nanny is the only one who Lily has had closer connection to. That is when she starts working her way to a new life for answers about the past and to live in peace.

      In the beginning of the book, Lily is insecure and vacillating about herself. She wanted to attend charm school because she thought it would make her fit in. T-Ray is the cause for making Lily feel this way. Putting thoughts in her mind on how Lily is the one who killed her own mother. After realizing really how horrible she is living that triggered her mind to run away. Now she is sure of herself and knows exactly what to do. Which is in the middle of the book where Lily finds her courage. She realizes she won't get anywhere without being tough. Though there were times where kindness got her far.

     It was at the very end where Lily was able to have balance in life. Especially after realizing the truth she asks for forgiveness to her mother and gives forgiveness. She confronts many fears and faces them all at once. Not only to look at the negative parts of her life but the positive ones. Overall Lily became a young woman who believes in herself.