Secret+Life+of+Bees+4W+Group+A

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Heather S Alyssa B Julia B Kate D Kelley C Maddy P Morgan R Sara A
 * Jennifer S
 * Carla N

Factual Clarifying Questions: Why doesn't August say anything to Lily when she knows that Lily is lying to her? How does Lily find out that her mother once lived in the house? Why does May commit suicide? How? Did you believe T-Ray's account of what happened when Lily's mother died? Do you agree with Lily that people would rather die than forgive? Does she forgive her mother? T-Ray? Herself? What do the bees mean to the story? What is "the secret life of bees?" Why did Rosaleen spit on the men's shoes? What are the ways the characters in the novel confront injustice? How do you think we should deal with injustice? Do these kinds of prejudices still exist today? What was your reaction to Lily's relationship with Zach? What do you think happened to them in the future? Do you think T-Ray ever cared about Lily?

Character/Narration: Was T-Ray a good influence on Lily as a father? Did Lily and her mother have any kind of relationship before she passed away? How would you describe August?

Setting (Time + Place): How does the setting of the novel impact the conflicts in the story? What is currently happening in the world during this time period? How does the setting in South Carolina symbolize the theme of racism? Shouldn't the setting of the deep south have affected Lily in a way that made her more racist?

Themes, Motifs and Symbols: Racism Power of Women The Black Mary Relationships Bees Lack of Mothers

Style of Writing: What type of writing style is used in this novel? Does it relate to the time period that is taking place in the novel? How was it effective to put the bee quotes before every chapter? Is Lily's narration mature for her age?

Quotes to Note: “Most people don't have any idea about all the complicated life going on inside a hive. Bees have a secret life we don't know anything about. I loved the idea of bees having a secret life, just like the one I was living” (148).

"...some things don't matter much. Like the color of a house. How big is that in the overall scheme of life? But lifting a person's heart--now, that matters. The whole problem with people is...they know what matters, but they don't choose it...The hardest thing on earth is choosing what matters."

“There is nothing perfect,” August said from the doorway. “There is only life.”

Secondary Criticism and/or Comments: Sue Monk Kidd had many [|Ideas for the Secret Life of Bees] which she reveals in this link which explains why the book is how it is. Many readers enjoy __The Secret Life of Bees__ here are some [|reviews] of the book. Here is a criticism on __[|The Secret Life of Bees]__

Kate D. =**Food/Drink Volenteers:**=
 * Discussion Facilitator:**
 * Alyssa:** Apple Juice
 * Morgan:** Muffins :) apple cinnamon
 * Julia:** Brownies
 * Sara:** fruit salad
 * Maddy**: Banana Bread
 * Heather**: fruit juice of some kind, ideas????
 * Kate**: Paper plates, cups, forks, etc!