Bee Themes

In the novel The Secret Life of Bees, there are themes purposely written to inform the reader of the main issues and situations. These themes are blended with the novel's words and are supported by examples and quotes. Some of the themes include the irrationality of racism, the power of the female community, and the importance of story telling. These themes are the main three found in the novel.
One of the most important themes in the novel is the irrationality of racism. Racism is a big dilemma which leads to violence, like Rosaleen and the men that beat her up because of their hate toward her color, Zach in jail, or the troubles April had when she was younger before her death that permanently scared May mentally. Racism is also difficult for Lily. She is unable to have an open relationship with Zach because he is black. At first Lily didn't realize that she was on the verge of being racist. She like most other whites thought that blacks were all the same; not smart or capable at doing anything other than housekeeping jobs, or like Rosaleen in terms of etiquette. For example, the police in the novel said to Lily," I'm just saying it's not natural, that you shouldn't be…well, lowering yourself "(p.246). In her mind, white people were the only ones who had different abilities. Other examples given in the novel are Lily's idea of black boys and how they all look ugly until she meets Zach, and the idea that Zach would think he would become a lawyer. May's suicide occurs because she couldn't stand the pain she felt for everyone and especially Zach's situation of being put in jail unfairly.
The Secret Life of Bees strongly puts forth the power of the female community. Lily grew up without a mother therefore she never really had a female role model except for Rosaleen who wasn't much of one, in many ways. After Lily moves in with the Calendar sisters, she comprehends that all the females support each other emotionally. They are particularly supportive with May because of her disabilities. They teach Lily about Mary, their Lady of Chains. Lily changes a lot while being around these intelligent black women. She admires August who plays the lead role sister in the Calendar sisters. After taking in so much about Mary, Lily starts to put Mary in place as a substitute for Deborah, Lily's mother. Following May's death, the sisters and Rosaleen stand strongly together as a group to maintain themselves during the funeral. The Calendar sisters are there to help all females of all colors. August teaches lessons by passing down old stories.
Sue Monk Kidd focuses on keeping readers entertained by including a few short stories that also have morals to them. The stories teach lessons, help the reader understand what's going on, and open up doors to curiosity. Some of the stories include the story about the Nun, Black Mary, Lady of Chains, and the story about Deborah, the most significant for Lily. The importance of the Lady of Chains story in chapter six (p.134) is that if we believe in signs from God, prayers, and freedom in Him, life can be free in the mind even if we are not physically free. Mary was put in chains over and over again and she kept breaking free. That's how blacks may have felt at this time in America or others who are struggling in their own lives. Lily was also put in chains over and over again by T.Ray, her memories of her mother, and her thoughts of being unloved. The importance of the Nun story in chapter five is that later in the novel Lily realizes that what August was trying to tell her is that Mary could stand in for Deborah as a spiritual mother guiding Lily through difficulties and joys of life. August also reveals the most crucial story to Lily, the story of her mother. Finally Lily has the truth whether or not it's what she wants to hear. "She planned to bring you here to Tiburon to live. She even talked to Clayton about filing the divorce papers. The last time I saw her, she was on a bus waving at me through the window" (p.314) .
This novel is built on themes. Themes are the backbone to most meaningful books. Therefore it gives the reader a deeper understanding of what's happening. The novel The Secret Life of Bees has many themes that give the story a colorful effect. Examples were given to support each theme. This novel is something one can not stop reading!