The Secret Life of Bees Lesson Plan

How does the title of the novel arise in this section of the story? Why is it significant and how does it relate to larger themes and symbols in the book? (Hint: see the conversation between August and Lily in Ch. 8, p. 138-152)

In Chapter 8 of the novel, during one of Lily and August's many heart-to-heart talks, Lily and August share some of the things they love with each other and August reveals more of the secrets of the bee hive to Lily. Students should pay particular attention to the discussion of the secret lives of bees on pages 147 through 148, as this is one of the few times the title of the novel comes up explicitly. This is one of the most explicit instances...