The Secret Life of Bees
Literary Terms and Vocabulary
Literary Terms
Protagonist – the main character in a work, on whom the author focuses most of the narrative attention.
Antagonist – the character against whom the protagonist struggles
Point of View – vantage point from which a writer tells a story (omniscient, first person, and third person).
Symbolism – frequent use of words, places, characters, or objects that mean something beyond the literal level.
Flashback – a scene that interrupts the present action of the plot to flash backward and tell what happened at an
earlier time.
Foreshadowing – the use of clues to hint at events that will occur later in a plot.
Theme - the central idea the writer wishes to reveal about a subject through a work of literature.
Allusion – reference to a statement, a person, a place, or an event from literature, history, religion, mythology,
politics, sports, science, or pop culture.
Motif – a conspicuous recurring element which appears frequently in a work of literature.
Epigraph – a quotation or sentence usually placed at the beginning of a chapter.
Plot – series of related events that make up a story of drama.
Characterization – the process of revealing the personality of a character (direct and indirect).
Conflict – struggle or clash between opposing characters or forces.
Setting – the time and place of a story.
Mood – a story’s atmosphere or the feeling it evokes.
Tone – attitude a writer takes toward a subject, a character, or the audience.
Irony – contrast between expectation and reality – between what is said and what is meant, between what is expected
to happen and what really happens, or between what appears to be true and what is true.
Figurative Language – language that uses words or expressions with a meaning that is different than the literal
interpretation. Common types include:
Simile – figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unlike thinks using like, as, resembles or than.
Metaphor – figure of speech that makes a comparison between two seemingly unlike things.
Hyperbole – figure of speech that uses exaggeration to express strong emotion or to create a comic effect.
Personification – kind of metaphor in which a nonhuman thing or quality is talked about as if it were human.
Imagery – language that appeals to the five senses.
Vocabulary Words
Ch. 1
Pivot, (v) p. 10
Disjointed, (adj) p.7
Coax, (v) p. 6
Orneriness, (adj) p. 3
Presumptuous, (adj) p. 2
Imbecile, (n) p. 11
Carousing, (v) p. 12
Magnitude, (n) p. 13
Recoil, (v) p. 32
Parsonage, (n) p. 31
Ch. 2
Wrench, (v) p. 40
Beseeching, (v) p. 40
Gore, (v) p. 42
Pious, (adj) p. 44
Decapitate, (v) p. 37
Ch.3
Barge, (n) p. 57
Turpentine, (n) p. 62
Scuppernong, (n) p. 62
Consternation, (n) p. 64
Ch. 4
Pith Helmet, (n) p. 67
Billows, (n) p. 67
Simultaneously, (adv) p. 69
Radiating, (v) p. 69
Pomade, (n) p. 71
Corrugated, (adj) p .71
Gourds, (n) p. 80
Ch. 5
Consolation, ( p. 82
Marvel, p. 84
Bona fide, p. 85
Indignation, p. 87
Resentment, p. 88
Vigilante, p. 88
Outlandish, p. 92
Recede, p. 94
Sedative, p. 94
Ch. 6
Beaming, p. 102
Percolator, p. 102
Crimson, p. 106
Deliverance, p. 1-7
Consolation, p. 108
Solace, p. 109
Bewildered, p 112
Ch. 7
Equated, p. 115
Cloister, p. 115
Riotous, p. 115
Bordello, p. 115
Extractor, p. 117
Incessantly, p. 120
Excursion, p. 124
Consignment, p. 125
Plying, p. 128
Ch. 8
Figurehead, p. 141
Kamikaze, p. 151
Locusts, p. 151
Jag, p. 152
Ascribed, p. 154
Ch. 9
Sheen, 168
Nymphs, p. 168
Dander up, p. 169
Inferno, p. 169
Shiftless, p. 171
Cunning, p. 173
Conjured, p. 178
Ch. 10
Organism, p. 190
Catacombs, p. 206
Ch. 11
Vat, p. 220
Semblance, p. 222
Ch. 13
Roving, p. 261
Lacquer, p. 261
Commode, p. 262
Contemptible, p. 268
Ch. 14
Stupefied, p. 277
Demoralized, p. 289
Drone, p. 287
Hasten, p. 290
Exertion, p. 294
Resolve, p. 298
Ignoramuses, p. 301
The Secret Life of Bees
Reading, Vocabulary, Study Guide & Quiz Calendar*
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Mar 18th
Mar 19th
Mar 20th
Due: SG/Voc Chap 1
Mar 23rd
Mar 24th
HW: Read pp 1-10
Mar 25th
Due: SG/Voc Chap 2
Quiz Chaps 1-2
Due: SG/Voc Chap 3
HW: Read pp 45-56
Apr 6th
HW: Read pp 57-66
Apr 7th
HW: Read pp 67-81
Apr 8th
HOLIDAY - STAFF
DEVELOPMENT
Due: SG/Voc Chap 6
Due: SG/Voc Chap 7
HW: Read pp 10-33
Mar 26th
HW: Read pp 34-45
Mar 27th
Due: SG/Voc Chap 4
Due: SG/Voc Chap 5
Quiz Chaps 3-4
HW: Read pp 82-101
Apr 9th
HW: Read pp 102-114
Apr 10th
Apr 16th
HW: Read pp 136-164
Apr 17th
Quiz Chaps 5-6
Apr 13th
HW: Read pp 115-135
Apr 14th
Due: SG/Voc Chap 8
Due: SG/Voc Chap 9
Apr 15th
Due: SG/Voc Chap 10
Quiz Chaps 7-8
Quiz Chaps 9-10
HW: Read pp 165-188
Apr 20th
HW: Read pp 189-202
Apr 21st
HW: Read pp 202-213
Apr 22nd
HW: Read pp 214-231
Apr 23rd
Apr 24th
Due: SG/Voc Chap 11
Due: SG Chap 12
Due: SG/Voc Chap 13
Due: SG/Voc Chap 14
Essay Outline
Quiz Chaps 13-14
Start Film
Quiz Chaps 11-12
HW: Read pp 233-256
Apr 27th
HW: Read pp 257-276
Apr 28th
HW: Read pp 289-302
Apr 29th
Finish Film
Unit Exam
In-Class Essay
*Each date above indicates the reading that we will start in class. If we do not finish the entire
reading in class, then you are expected to finish reading the chapter for homework. You are expected
to read the assigned pages on your own if you are absent. You will be expected to take the quiz on the
chapters on the same date as the class or, if you are absent, on the date that you return. Study Guides
and Vocabulary are due on the dates above or, if you are absent, on the date that you return.
The Secret Life of Bees - Annotation Instructions
Annotations: There will be random annotation checks. You are required to annotate the text as you
read. There should be an average of at least ONE annotation per full page of the text. Annotations
should explain WHY you’ve highlighted the particular quote. Phrases, sentences and questions are all
acceptable – single words are not.
Literary Devices: Find examples of at least one literary device per chapter. Your annotation should
clearly identify the literary device, explain why it is this particular device, and analyze the effect of
the device. Here’s an example: Quote highlighted - "As the leaves danced around my backyard and
my nose filled with the sent of pumpkin pie, I was reminded of my lazy, fall childhood afternoons
spent with at my grandparents’ lake house." Analysis written in margin: Imagery – this appeals to
the senses of sight and smell. The effect of this is that it relates these senses back to a warm and
happy memory, thus creating a nostalgic mood.
If you do not have a book that you can annotate, then you are welcome to use Post-it notes. An
alternative to this would be for you to create a log of your annotations. Your log should
include the following for each annotation: page number, quote, analysis.
The Secret Life of Bees - Study Guide Questions
Directions – Respond to all parts of each question with at least one complete sentence. You will find
that some questions require more than one sentence to completely answer all parts. All responses
must be in blue or black ink. No credit will be given to responses that are not in blue or black ink.
Chapter One
1. The narrator makes an allusion about the bees, “Looking back on it now, I want to say the bees were
sent to me. I want to say they showed up like the angel Gabriel appearing to the Virgin Mary, setting
events in motion I never could have guessed” (2). What does she allude to and why?
2. Lily says that the bees could have stung her until she died, and it would not have been the worst thing to
happen. What do you learn about her from this?
3. Lily describes her mother’s death on pages 6, 7, and 8. She does not directly say so, but she implies that
she caused her mother’s death. How did that happen?
4. When Rosaleen stands up to T. Ray about the chick, Lily says, “his boots whispered uncle all the way
down the hall” (12). What does she mean? What literary term is used in the quote?
5. Why does T. Ray tell Lily about her mother before she starts school?
6. Why does Lily say that Rosaleen “had less sense than I’d dreamed?” (31).
7. Every chapter begins with a quote about bees. Each one was chosen to suit the chapter. Why do you
think the quote about the missing queen was chosen for chapter one? Who is the missing queen?
Chapter Two
1. What does Lily say “nearly did [her] in?” (37).
2. What does Lily believe will “sink [her] forever”? (40). Why might this knowledge “sink” her?
3. What is the meaning of the metaphor of the jar: “Lily Melissa Owens, your jar is open?” (41).
4. On page 52, Rosaleen says, “I guess I can go to my grave now, because I’ve seen it all.” What does she
mean?
5. Why does Lily call Rosaleen “dumb?” (54).
6. Consider the description of Rosaleen on page 55 and Lily’s thought: “Mother, forgive.” What does this
tell you about Lily’s relationship with Rosaleen?
7. Explain the importance of Lily’s ability to lie.
8. Why do you think the quote for chapter 2 was chosen? Who starts in a new “suitable place”?
Chapter Three
1. What do you think is the significance of Rosaleen’s odd dream?
2. What does Lily’s question and Rosaleen’s answer about the Civil Rights Act reveal about them?
3. Lily realizes “there is nothing but mystery in the world….” (63). Why does she think so?
4. The bee quote at the start of the chapter talks about how to find the queen. Why is this appropriate for
this chapter?
Chapter Four
1. Lily believes her “body knows things” (69). What does she think her body knows?
2. Why is Lily’s thought about the black Mary, “…she could straighten you out if necessary,” both
wonderful and terrifying? (70).
3. Why does May begin to sing “Oh! Susanna”?
4. How does Rosaleen’s behavior as they walk across the rainy lawn contrast with her behavior when she
talked about the Civil Rights Act in Chapter 3?
5. Why does Lily say “…my skin had never felt so white to me”? (78).
6. Explain the significance of the quote at the beginning of the chapter.
Chapter Five
1. How does Lily describe June?
2. What does June say that is a “revelation” to Lily? What does Lily allude to in her reaction when she
says she has “righteous indignation?” (87).
3. What does Lily conclude about color when she goes outside? What tone is the author expressing here
and why?
4. Why does Lily think August told her the story of Beatrix the nun?
5. What is the most important bee yard rule, according to August?
6. Explain the significance of Lily’s wondering about May’s sensitivity: “Would it divide the hurt in two,
make it lighter to bear, the way feeling someone’s joy seemed to double it?” (95).
7. Lily says that she knew the world was not fair long before she turned eleven. What does she mean?
8. What is the wailing wall? What does Lily put into the wailing wall?
9. In the quote at the beginning of the chapter, it points out that the bees live in darkness. How is that true
for Lily in this chapter?
Chapter Six
1. Why will June not get married?
2. What is the number one question in South Carolina, and why is it asked?
3. Who are the “Daughters of Mary?”
4. What is the miracle of “Our Lady of Chains”? How did she get her name?
5. Why does Lily not touch Mary’s heart?
6. According to the book, “you can never underestimate the power of cutthroat competition” (113). What
is meant by this?
7. Why is August sad at the thought of a rocket landing on the moon?
8. The quote at the beginning of the chapter says the queen produces something to attract the workers.
Who is the queen in this chapter, and what does she produce? Who are the workers she attracts?
Chapter Seven
1. “At my school they made fun of colored people’s lips and noses. I myself had laughed at these jokes,
hoping to fit in” (116). Describe what you think about Lily’s thoughts in this passage. Does it surprise
you that she laughed?
2. Why does Zach get upset when Lily suggests he could be a professional player?
3. Zach says: “You gotta imagine what’s never been” (121). What does he mean?
4. What does Lily feel she needs to do before she can tell August the truth about herself? What is she
afraid of?
5. What shocks Lily when she is riding with Zach? Why is this thought such a shock to Lily?
6. “Danger, I realized, was a thing you got used to” (126). What two dangers is Lily facing when she says
this?
7. What is the metaphor Lily uses at the end of Pg. 133, and what does she mean?
8. Explain the significance of the quotation at the beginning of the chapter.
Chapter Eight
1. August says, “You see, everybody needs a God who looks like them, Lily” (141). Why is it a little
ironic for her to say this to Lily?
2. Contrast August’s story with Lily’s. Why does Lily say her story “sort of” ends her life? (142).
3. August describes Big Mama’s story of hearing the bees sing on Christmas Eve. Does August mean the
story literally? How does this relate to the title of the book?
4. When August could not get a teaching job, she became a housekeeper for a white family, but she says
of June “you wouldn’t catch her keeping house for white people” (145). How does this help explain
June’s resentment of Lily?
5. “The hardest thing on earth is choosing what matters” (147). Explain the importance of August’s
statement as it applies to Lily.
6. Lily states, “…I loved the idea of bees having a secret life, just like the one I was living” (148). What is
the major difference between the secret life of bees and the secret life of Lily?
7. Lily notices that the black Mary label she had stuck on herself is coming “unglued” (152). How is this a
metaphor for Lily’s situation?
8. How does the quote at the beginning of the chapter explain Lily’s fear about telling August the truth?
Chapter Nine
1. What does the following quote reveal about Lily? “After you get stung, you can’t get unstung no matter
how much you whine about it” (167).
2. What simile does Lily use to explain why she keeps the hose turned on June, even though June is
plainly angry?
3. How does Rosaleen’s wisdom end the hostilities?
4. When does Lily say “the real troubles in life happen?” (170). What does she mean?
5. What does May do after she acknowledges that she knew Lily’s mother? What does her reaction
reveal?
6. Why do you think Lily dreams of her mother as a roach “with her worst nature exposed?” (175).
7. Why does Lily think the rocks should be thanked?
8. The epigraph at the beginning of the chapter has to do with communication. What messages are sent in
this chapter?
Chapter Ten
1. Interpret this sentence: “This had been the thing they’d been waiting for half their lives without even
realizing it” (194).
2. What is a vigil, and why does August say they are going to hold one?
3. What change does Lily sees in Zach?
4. Interpret Lily’s description of blame: “…the blame would find a way to stick to them. That’s how
blame was” (204).
5. What do August and Zach and Lily do to the hives and why?
6. What does Lily think is “a better plan” for blacks and whites to get along? (209). How is this somewhat
contradictory to her next observation?
7. What does August say May meant for June to do when she said, “Don’t mess it up?” (210).
8. The quote at the beginning of the chapter is another example of the author foreshadowing a sad part of
the book. Why might some people object to this?
Chapter Eleven
1. Why can Lily not tell August about herself now that _____’s funeral is over?
2. Why does Zach tell Lily they have to think about changing the world?
3. How has Zach changed?
4. Interpret the meaning of August’s putting _____’s suicide note into a deep crevice in the black Mary.
5. What part of the Mary Day ceremony makes Lily “feel better about the world?” (226).
6. August says that “remembering is everything” and that is why they reenact the chaining of Mary (228).
Why does this bother Lily?
7. What is the fish necklace that the boys put on Lily? What upsets her the most about the incident?
8. What do you think is the relevance of the quote at the beginning of this chapter?
Chapter Twelve
1. What does Lily say is a “big shock” when she looks at the pictures of Mary in August’s room?
2. Why had August not told Lily that she knew who Lily was when she arrived?
3. What causes the “wall of glass” to break in Lily’s chest? (238).
4. How does August explain June’s resentment of Lily?
5. How does August’s description of T. Ray clash with Lily’s knowledge of him?
6. Why did Deborah get married, and why does the knowledge upset Lily?
7. What does August say to excuse Deborah? How does Lily react?
8. How does the quote at the beginning of the chapter relate to Lily’s anguish?
Chapter Thirteen
1. What does Lily want from Mary?
2. What does Lily want the statue to do?
3. Rosaleen is not surprised when Lily tells her that her mother left her. Why did Rosaleen not tell Lily
that she had suspected as much?
4. Why does Lily want to be the last to clean her hands? What is the deeper meaning of this?
5. What does August say about the mirror? What does she mean?
6. How does Lily interpret the poem by William Blake that her mother had underlined? Is she correct?
Explain.
7. Describe the picture in the frame. What does Lily conclude when she sees this picture?
8. How does the description of the worker bee at the beginning of the chapter fit Lily?
Chapter Fourteen
1. Why does Lily think she must have loved her “little collection of hurts and wounds?” (278).
2. What does August say to June while looking at Lily? What is she trying to tell Lily?
3. What does August show to Lily? What is the deeper meaning of this?
4. August explains why she told the Beatrix story to Lily, and her reason is not what Lily thought. What
was August trying to say?
5. What does August tell Lily that she wants Lily always to remember?
6. On page 264, Lily “heard the bitter tone” in her own voice and realized that she could “slip off into a
cold place where meanness took over.” How does that parallel her realization about T. Ray?
7. Why does Lily feel that T. Ray has said “everything” when he says, “You look like her?” (296).
8. What does August say about what to do when you need something? How does she act on her words
with T. Ray?
9. Lily asks her father once more about her mother’s death. Do you think T. Ray is telling the truth? Why?
10. Who are the moons shining over Lily? Why is this significant?