Racial Slurs In George Orwell's The Secret Life Of Bees

Literature is an art form that allows various authors to express their emotions and ideologies towards real-life events, sometimes in a fictional way. However, does their writing have a purpose if there is no one to read it, comprehend it, and relate to it? Banning a book due to high standards of suitably not only weakens the ability to explore topics that may be difficult to apprehend, but it also leaves a novel possessing great potential, a failing legacy. An author’s motive is to tell a story that reaches an audience mentally and emotionally. In reality, by revoking the availability of certain books, no audience is reached leaving behind a substantial amount of untouched knowledge. Although there is abusive situations and a hefty amount …show more content…
Throughout the novel the use of racial slurs appear as well as secondary characters expressing their emotions in ways that involve profanity. Although the use of racial slurs can be viewed as inappropriate, they allow for readers to understand and envision the harsh reality of racism. If read in schools, The Secret Life of Bees, allows for an open discussion as to why these unfortunate events happened and how they can be prevented. The teaching of these slurs and racism as a whole to young adults essentially creates an understanding to the development of racism because as Wormeli suggest, “No one is born racist. Racism is learned. Just as important, racism is insurmountable” (Wormeli 17). From the beginning to the end of the novel racism is never completely gone, however toward to conclusion of Lily’s experience, there is little to no racism at all in Lily as a character. However, racism was still existing in her surrounding environment. After all she had been through, Lily was able to accept the Boatwright’s culture and lifestyle, forgetting every detrimental assumption she had ever heard about the African American community. This same idea can be reflected on the minds of young adults who choose to explore the different reoccurring themes of the novel. The purpose of this theme is provide a sense of hope that if learned about, racism will no longer be an issue, but just a word with an inhumane historical meaning. Despite the beliefs that The Secret Life of Bees is a harsh novel through its inclusion of sensitive topics and harsh language, the reality of hope outshines these negative aspects and allows the novel to radiate positivity toward individual journeys to healing and understanding. The banning of this novel will discontinue the knowledge and beliefs that