Overcoming narrowly defined social norms is an act that takes great courage

regardless of who is involved and what specific obstacles stand in their way. However,
Sue Monk Kidds The Secret Life of Bees focuses on the extreme adversity 14-year-old
Lily Owens is faced with as a white teen in the racially divided South in 1964. In a
desperate attempt to uncover the truth about her deceased mother, Lily and her black
housekeeper, Rosaleen, run away from home and wind up on the doorstep of three
charismatic black sisters in Tiburon, South Carolina. Lily is adamant about staying with
the sisters in her search for honesty, and develops a close bond with the Negro
community in her time there. In a time period where racial tensions ran high in light of
the Civil Rights Act and society in the South set certain social expectations for its
inhabitants, Lilys actions were unprecedented. Nonetheless, her ignorance towards
critics who thought her behavior was unacceptable and desire for true racial equality
proved crucial in overcoming the barriers she faced in the 1960s south. Lily transcended
the expectations of her time period through her determination to be herself despite her
differences and stand up for her beliefs about race in a time where no one else would.
As Lilys story begins, it becomes clear that she is very different from other girls
her age. Her mothers death in an accidental shooting caused Lily to grow up in a
motherless household, and an abusive father forced her to grow tough and resilient in a
world that seemed against her. During this time period in the South, young women were
expected to act conservatively, dress modestly, and utilize proper etiquette. Although Lily
initially strived to be like the other girls her age, mentioning her upset when she was
turned away from a mother-daughter etiquette class, she eventually slips into grim
resignation that she will always be different. Lily feel that she lacks the beauty, grace, and

traditional household other girls her age have, but she slowly begins to realize that this
type of atmosphere isnt necessarily one where she feels free to be herself. Lily
intentionally pushes the envelope when she decides to run away from T-Ray, makes the
bold decision to break Rosaleen out of jail, and seeks answers. These actions exemplify
Lilys sense of independence and nonconformity in a time where her behavior is typically
frowned upon. This behavior is likely caused in part by her weak household family
structure, but is also something that resonates with Lilys personal beliefs as the novel
progresses and she continues her stay with the Boatwrights. Her actions help her to
overcome the expectations placed on females during her time period, and she uses her
growing sense of independence to rise above these obstacles.
Extreme racial inequality in the 1960s undoubtedly shaped Lily into the defiant,
empowered young white girl she became over the course of the novel. The gap between
blacks and whites was very apparent in Southern states, and many despised integrating
races. Lily, on the contrary, had developed a strong bond with her Negro housekeeper,
Rosaleen, as a child and had embraced Rosaleens love and compassion regardless of her
race. This connection made her transition into an all-black household easier, as she saw
each woman for who they were in their heart, not because of their pigmentation. When
confronted by a white police officer and scolded for staying with the Boatwrights, Lily
had the opportunity to conform to the standards of the time period, but remained
indignant, and made it clear to the officer that she had no intention of leaving. This
example illustrates her fiery independence and refusal to look down on blacks solely
because of their color. Lily recognizes that August, Rosaleen, and various others she
meets in the novel have values and ideas far more poignant than the white officer, her

father, and other whites will ever possess. For example, the kind-hearted spirit of August
and her willingness to let a white girl stay in her home, knowing that she would be judged
for her decision, shows true grace and compassion that many of the people in Lilys life
are ignorant to. Lilys ability to grasp this concept that respect and compassion are
choices, not purely instinctual, is what ultimately allows her to rise above racial tensions
caused by the time shes living in. Another controversial decision Lily makes regarding
race is her development of affection for a black teenager, Zach. From the moment she
meets him, she is captivated by his strong drive to succeed and ability to overcome
adversity. The two quickly begin to share a romantic relationship, but are painfully aware
that they will never truly be able to be together because of their differing races.
Nonetheless, the two are determined to have a real relationship once racial tensions
deteriorate nationwide, and this desire gives Lily an even greater passion towards
creating racial acceptance. She transcends these confinements even more immensely as
her heart grows closer to the cause and she begins to understand the importance and
similarities of both blacks and whites.
The Civil Rights Act and fight for racial equality in the 1960s caused a strong
division between races that further led to social divisions and a shift of views among the
U.S. population. Although these tensions persisted nationwide, they were especially
dominant in conservative, southern states. Lilys upbringing during this time in the state
of South Carolina seemed as if it would inevitably cause her to live in a perpetual state of
discrimination, but her resiliency allowed her to overcome difficulty and live unafraid to
stand up for these injustices. Through her time spent soul-searching and working with the
Negro Boatwright sisters, Lily came to the revelation that race and conformity were not

nearly as important as society made them out to be, and that differences were meant to be
celebrated. Transcending the barrier of her time period was no easy task, but it was
something Lily successfully did on her journey to find the truth about not only her
mother, but her individual soul as well.