The Role of Feminism in the Secret Life of Bees - 857 Words

Mary McGill Ms. Bond English II 5/4/13 The Role of Feminism in The Secret Life of Bees In Sue Monk Kidd’s novel The Secret Life of Bees, the theme of feminism often reoccurs. Throughout the novel, Kidd reveals the aspects and importance of feminine power and matriarchy versus the typical role of masculine leadership and authority. The teachings of Carl Jung, a philosopher who believes that society would be better by emphasizing the importance of feminine values versus the masculine, deeply influences Kidd’s writings. These principles are greatly displayed in the plot and theme of The Secret Life of Bees. Lily’s desire for a mother, and the importance of having a mother, as well as Kidd’s portrayal of strong†¦show more content†¦Most importantly The Secret Life of Bees is loaded with colorful and strong female characters. For example, Rosaleen’s stubborn attitude and refusal to back down to anyone contradicts typical expectancy for women to sit back and take the treatment men give them, especially for colored women in the sixties. When a group of white males attempt to stir upShow MoreRelatedThe Effect of Feminism on So ciety816 Words   |  3 Pagestoday women need to take a stand for what they are worth. Many of these strong willed women that are looking for change are leading characters in movies or novels. One book that truly captures the feminist movement and strong women would be The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd. In this novel Lily Owens and the Boatwright sisters present the strong woman figure that is known to embody the feminist movement. All throughout the history it has been known that women are not in the social rankings withRead MoreTheres No Place Like Home812 Words   |  4 Pagescomprehension of a story is largely dependent on the inclusion of accounts from the author s own life and experiences. In Sue Monk Kidd s The Secret Life of Bees, David Guterson s Snow Falling on Cedars, and Jhumpa Lahiri s Interpreter of Maladies, diaspora makes it difficult for the characters to assimilate to the new customs and moral convictions of each new environment. In her novel, The Secret Life of Bees, Sue Monk Kidd uses her own childhood to mold the story of her main character, Lily. TheRead MoreAuthor Sue Monk Kidd’S Famed Novel, The Secret Life Of1885 Words   |  8 Pages Author Sue Monk Kidd’s famed novel, The Secret Life of Bees, chronicles the story of a young girl Lily in the summer of 1964, as she escapes her abusive and dreadful past to find love and acceptance among a group of eccentric African American beekeepers. The novel centers around one of the most racially divided periods to occur since the Civil War, and shows how it affected not only African Americans, but young, impressionable white children like Lily. The author addresses the inhumanity of racism