* Community and Connection: The bees live in a hive, working together for the common good. This resonates with Lily's journey of finding family and belonging with the Boatwright sisters.
* Nurturing and Healing: The bees produce honey, a symbol of sweetness and healing. This connects to the way the Boatwright sisters care for Lily and help her to heal from her emotional wounds.
* The Importance of Nature: Bees are essential to the ecosystem, and the novel emphasizes the beauty and interconnectedness of nature. Lily's experiences with bees help her connect to a deeper understanding of herself and the world around her.
* Resilience and Strength: Bees are small creatures but they are incredibly resilient and capable of surviving in harsh environments. This reflects Lily's own journey of overcoming adversity and finding strength within herself.
* Transformation and Metamorphosis: Bees undergo a transformation from larvae to adults, which parallels Lily's own growth and development as she sheds her past and embraces her true identity.
* The Power of the Feminine: The novel focuses on strong female characters who are connected to bees and the natural world. The Boatwright sisters, particularly August, are seen as powerful figures who embody the wisdom and strength of women.
The bees also serve as a symbolic representation of the African American women in the novel. Just like the bees are often overlooked and underestimated, Black women in the South faced prejudice and marginalization. However, they also possessed a unique strength, resilience, and ability to create a community of support and love.
Throughout the novel, the bees act as a constant reminder of the interconnectedness of life, the power of nature, and the importance of finding community and belonging. They are a powerful symbol that helps Lily to find her voice, heal her wounds, and ultimately discover her true self.