What is the symbolism of the Wailing Wall for May in The Secret Life of Bees?
Summary: In Sue Monk Kidd’s story The Secret Life of Bees, the wailing wall symbolizes suffering and death. May used the wailing wall to release some of the pain she felt over the loss of her twin sister April, so much so that the wall foreshadowed May’s own death.
Why did may drown herself in The Secret Life of Bees?
August, June, Lily and Rosaleen go looking to find her and end up find her lying dead in the river with a rock on her chest. It looks to be a suicide, due to May’s depression from Zach being arrested. A vigil is held that lasts four days.
What happens to May in The Secret Life of Bees?
When Lily returns home, Clayton, the lawyer, has arrived to tell the Boatwrights that Zach has been arrested. They decide to hide the news from May, the most sensitive sister, because they know how upset she’d be. But May finds out and leaves the house alone. She commits suicide by drowning herself in the river.
What does May Boatwright love?
She loves to write and hopes to one day become a writer. Late in the novel, she finds a close friend and stand-in mother in August Boatwright and her sisters, June and May.
What happened April Boatwright?
April is May’s late twin sister. After a run-in with a racist shopkeeper when she was 11, her eyes were opened to the world’s injustices, and she found it hard to swallow. She subsequently developed depression and, sadly, committed suicide when was 15.
What does June Boatwright look like?
The sister of May, August, and April Boatwright. Like August, June is an intelligent, educated woman, but where August welcomes Lily into their home with open arms, June is suspicious and contemptuous of Lily—partly because Lily is white, and she is black.
What does August Boatwright teach Lily?
August teaches Lily important lessons about patience, love, and forgiveness. August teaches Lily to forgive herself for her imperfections, and to forgive others, as well—a lesson that proves invaluable in Lily’s coming-of-age.
Who is June Boyfriend in Secret Life of Bees?
June has a boyfriend, Neil, whom she refuses to marry (repeatedly).
Why does may sing Oh Susanna?
When confronted with sadness or tragedy, she often begins humming “Oh! Part of the refrain includes “don’t you cry for me.” Repeating these lyrics in her head seems to be a reminder for May that the sadness will pass. It is a calming ritual for her.
Why has August never married Secret Life of Bees?
In addition, they talk more generally about female strength, and August explains to Lily why she decided to never get married: she did not want to give up her autonomy.
Who is August Boatwright in The Secret Life of Bees book?
August Boatwright
Lily OwensRosaleen DaiseJune BoatwrightT Ray Owens
The Secret Life of Bees/Characters
What does August say to Lily that delights her?
What does August say to her that delights Lily? “Lily, you are a marvel.”