Chapter 1-2

Question 1

What is the name of the protagonist in ‘The Secret Life of Bees’?

Answer 1

Lily Owens

Question 2

In which state does Lily Owens live?

Answer 2

South Carolina

Question 3

True or False: Lily’s mother is a significant presence in her life.

Answer 3

False

Question 4

What tragic event does Lily recall from her childhood?

Answer 4

The death of her mother.

Question 5

Who is Rosaleen?

Answer 5

Lily’s caregiver and a Black woman who helps raise her.

Question 6

Fill in the blank: Lily’s main goal is to find out more about her _____ .

Answer 6

mother

Question 7

What does Rosaleen do in response to being insulted by a group of white men?

Answer 7

She insults them back and is arrested.

Question 8

What does Lily steal from her father’s belongings?

Answer 8

A picture of her mother.

Question 9

Who does Lily ultimately decide to run away with?

Answer 9

Rosaleen

Question 10

What does the character T. Ray represent in Lily’s life?

Answer 10

Abuse and neglect.

Question 11

Multiple Choice: What does Lily associate with bees?

Answer 11

A sense of freedom and connection.

Question 12

True or False: The story is set during the Civil Rights Movement.

Answer 12

True

Question 13

What does Lily hope to find in Tiburon?

Answer 13

Answers about her mother.

Question 14

Fill in the blank: Lily’s relationship with her father is _____ .

Answer 14

strained

Question 15

What does the character May Boatwright struggle with?

Answer 15

Her emotional sensitivity.

Question 16

Who are the Boatwright sisters?

Answer 16

August, June, and May.

Question 17

What does August Boatwright teach Lily about?

Answer 17

Beekeeping.

Question 18

Multiple Choice: What does Lily learn about love?

Answer 18

It can be found in unexpected places.

Question 19

What is the significance of the Black Madonna in the story?

Answer 19

It represents comfort and guidance.

Question 20

True or False: Lily feels completely at home in Tiburon.

Answer 20

False

Question 21

What does the act of beekeeping symbolize for Lily?

Answer 21

Healing and growth.

Question 22

Fill in the blank: The early chapters emphasize themes of _____ and _____ .

Answer 22

racism; motherhood

Question 23

What event leads to Lily’s decision to leave home?

Answer 23

Rosaleen’s arrest.

Question 24

Who is the main antagonist in the early chapters?

Answer 24

T. Ray.

Question 25

What does Lily find in the Bee's Honey House?

Answer 25

A sense of belonging.

Question 26

Multiple Choice: How does Lily view herself at the beginning of the story?

Answer 26

As unworthy and lost.

Question 27

What role does racism play in the story?

Answer 27

It highlights social injustices and personal struggles.

Question 28

True or False: The bond between Lily and Rosaleen is depicted as strong and supportive.

Answer 28

True

Question 29

What does Lily learn from her experiences with the Boatwright sisters?

Answer 29

The importance of female empowerment and community.

Question 30

Fill in the blank: In the beginning, Lily's view of love is _____ and complicated.

Answer 30

conflicted

Question 31

What does the hive symbolize in the narrative?

Answer 31

Community and cooperation.

Question 32

What is the significance of the setting in South Carolina?

Answer 32

It reflects the racial tensions and cultural backdrop of the 1960s.