Symbolism In Sue Monk Kidd's The Secret Life Of Bees

The predominant symbols found in The Secret Life of Bees contributed greatly to the structure of the literature. The development of the writing’s structure, shown through increased emotional appeal and conflict description, was directly related to the usage of symbolism within the story. The passage reads, “‘They had all these little fish they’d caught fastened onto a stringer. They held me down on the bank and hooked it around my neck, making it too small to pull over my head,’” (Kidd 229). One of the symbols present in the text is a necklace of fish that Lily was forced to wear as a child. The necklace summarized the intricate issues that Lily was dealing with in her present life. The issues were like a tight necklace that could not be

In the text it says, “Suddenly I wished I’d gone with them. I wished it more than anything. I wanted to see her face when they handed her her card. I wanted to say, Rosaleen, you know what? I’m proud of you. What was I doing sitting out here in the woods?” (Kidd 282). In the passage, it is evident that Sue Monk Kidd is a strong supporter of racial equality. Rosaleen had to be patient in order to acquire her voting rights, obstacles having been thrown in her way. Although, when Rosaleen receives her voter’s license, a triumphant and overpowering tone comes about the story, allowing the reader to come to terms with Rosaleen’s culminating moment. When Lily expresses her dissapointment as to not accompanying Rosaleen and August, it shows the reader how important this plot event is, how much it means to Rosaleen and the African American community. She had overcome racial injustices, finally victorious over the issues of the time period. Sue Monk Kidd writes, “Just when we’d think she had it out of her system, out of the complete blue, she’d say, ‘I’ll be casting my vote for Mr. Johnson,’” (Kidd 283). Again, when Rosaleen acquires her voting registration, Sue Monk Kidd revels in the moment, making Rosaleen call all of her friends to inform them of her victory. She also has her plan to vote for the presidential candidate who

A conversation between Lily and Zach continued, saying, “‘That’s fine with me,’ I said, a little annoyed. ‘I’ve just never heard of a Negro lawyer, that’s all. You’ve got to hear of these things before you can imagine them,’” (Kidd 121). Zachary Taylor represents an age old social challenge: racism. It is clear that author Sue Monk Kidd dissaproves racism, believing that the barriers of society are to be broken soon; acceptance will be distributed evenly among races. Through Lily’s doubt, Sue Monk Kidd paints a picture of what life was life for many African Americans, or even just Americans at that. Over the entirety of each of their journies, Lily and Zach were doubted, hatred and difficult situations plaguing their everyday lives. Zach’s presence in the story also reveals some of the other battles that are being waged within the writing. Both Lily and Zach have faced injustices while in the process of discovering who they truly are. Through the infamous fish necklace and the notebook given to Lily by Zach, Zach’s dreams of being an overly dominate and “ass-kicking” lawyer, and the knowledgeable bees that Lily helps August to look after, symbolism, hyperboles, and personification can be found in exceedingly high numbers. Additionally,