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Secret Life Of Bees Character Analysis

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Secret Life Of Bees Character Analysis
Thesis: In Sue Monk Kidd's Secret Life of Bees, T.Ray lacks parenting skills while August provides motherly care towards Lily.
T.Ray is verbally abusive, making Lily feel terrible, whereas August words are soothing and inspiring. Lily spends a night in the orchard and when waking up in the morning to find T.Ray. T.Ray misunderstands and gets mad at her for thinking she was out meeting a boy. T.Ray then yells at her: "I expect this out of boys, Lily, you can't blame them. But I expect more out of you. you act not better than a slut" (24). Even though she grew up without her mother she still feels a sense of protection and love from her. Lily tells T.Ray what she thinks about her mother and he ends up once again yelling at her. "That women could have cared less about you... you could hate me all you want, but she's the one who left you... You little bitch" (39). T.Ray verbally abuses Lily. He never shows her any signs of love or affection. He intentionally causes her pain and is constantly yelling at her. When comparing August to T.Ray, …show more content…
When at home with T.Ray, gets upset with Lily for reading and bringing out books: "T.Rat refused to let me bring books out here and read...college is a waste of money for girls" (15). T.Ray doesn't support education and does nothing to prepare her for her future. A he believes reading is useless and won't even allow Lily to read books. August, unlike T.Ray inspires her to read. When having a conversation with August, Lily is inspired by how August went to college and loves books unlike T.Ray. "August said her heart desired to read books. So the whole month she got to prop on the sofa in the quiet of the living room reading after her sisters went to bed... I studied at a negro college" (136).Lily is able to not feel as if she is forbidden to read. August is a sets fine examples for Lily and makes sure to do her
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