In The Secret Life of Bees, women are not presented in the media at all. However, the rest of the plot revolves around the role of women in the home and in society. Lily herself is portrayed as a helpless, unloved teen who is struggling to find her identity among those who do not support her. Living with a suppressive and abusive father in contrast to a tough-loving, surrogate mother provides little comfort for the difficulties that she independently faces. When she and Rosaleen run off to the bee farm, Lily gets a glimpse at the role of women versus girls and what a mother may feel like. Women influences such as August and Rosaleen serve as role-models to Lily, having no biological mother to fill that role. Lily is also exposed to the harships that women face such as abusive relationships or discrimination. Yet, at the same time, she sees the strength and power of these women and is inspired.
Role-models
April 1st, 2007 · 1 Comment
Emily S.
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mandypeaslee
// Apr 3, 2007 at 9:22 am
Emily,
You have presented an interesting analysis of the female characters in the novel. Why do you think there is such a variety of portrayals in the novel? What purpose does each of the female characters serve? I am wondering whether or not Kidd presents such a variety to allow the reader to connect to at least one character, or if she is critiquing different aspects of socieyt.
Mrs. P
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