What are some devices used to show lily's coming of age

Symbolism is used throughout the novel as a catalog for Lily's life. Bees, as are seen in our title teach her to embrace life and help her to move on from her past. They symbolize a community, and the need for each community to revolve around a designated leader.

Another symbol would be that of water. Rosaleen and Lily cross streams together, and solve their own personal conflicts while in the water. Water also symbolizes May's suicide, and on a lighter note...... a water fight that begins the bond forged by June and Lily.

These symbols are direct literary devices that plod out the path and timeline of Lily.