Lily's Philosophy Of Life In The Secret Life Of Bees

Lily’s Philosophy of Life In the beginning of the novel The Secret Life of Bees, by Sue Monk Kidd, Lily Owens writes a paper called, “My Philosophy of Life.” But, her philosophy of life changes dramatically throughout the course of the novel. Lily’s early philosophy of life was influenced greatly by her father, T. Ray. When she is introduced to the Boatwright family, however, her perspective on many of the things that she got from her father and society changed. Some of these philosophies include her perspective on racism, female power, and her mother. Thanks to the Boatwright sisters, Lily seems to find a way to escape her father’s reign of terror and learns more than what she learned from her father. Racism and prejudice is an important theme in this novel. Lily was raised in the South and there was a plethora of racism there. Blacks couldn’t vote and were segregated from …show more content…
Rosaleen is a powerful figure in Lily’s eyes. Since Lily has no one to look up to, Rosaleen kind of acts like a role model. The problem is with Lily’s guilt over her mother’s death, and T. Ray abusing her, Lily couldn’t possibly focus on her future and soon starts to believe that women can’t do anything. Everything changes when the Boatwright sisters are introduced into the novel. When Lily and Rosaleen go to the Boatwright’s house, August is the one that is most kind and welcoming to them. August is an intelligent intellectual. She has so many amazing qualities that Lily admired. She admired her courage, intelligence, and her appreciation of the strength and power of women. The sisters also protect Lily like she is their own child. We see this happening when T. Ray comes to get her. “Good riddance’, he said, and moved towards the door. We had to open our little wall of women to let him through.” (Kidd 298). This “wall of women” that is shown here is a symbol of power and protection. Another thing that Lily appreciates