For Lily:
* Motherly love and acceptance: The Black Madonna represents a mother figure who is unlike the one Lily has experienced. She is a symbol of unconditional love and understanding, offering solace and comfort in the face of Lily's troubled past.
* Protection and guidance: Lily sees the Black Madonna as a protector, a spiritual guide leading her towards healing and self-discovery. She feels drawn to the statue, seeking solace and strength in its presence.
* A symbol of hope and resilience: The Black Madonna's dark complexion and unwavering gaze represent resilience in the face of hardship. She is a symbol of hope for a better future, inspiring Lily to overcome her past traumas.
For the Boatwright sisters:
* A spiritual connection: The Black Madonna is a central figure in their faith, a symbol of their deep religious belief and the strength they find in their community.
* A source of strength and empowerment: The sisters find solace and comfort in the Black Madonna, drawing strength from her presence and using her as a symbol of their own resilience in the face of racism and societal oppression.
* A symbol of their heritage: The Black Madonna represents their connection to their African roots and their belief in the power of their shared history and traditions.
In the larger context of the novel:
* A powerful symbol of hope and healing: The Black Madonna stands as a beacon of hope and healing for both Lily and the Boatwright sisters. She represents the power of faith, community, and the transformative nature of love.
* A reflection of the African American experience: The Black Madonna's presence highlights the importance of faith and resilience within the African American community, offering a source of strength and inspiration in the face of prejudice and discrimination.
Overall, the Black Madonna in *The Secret Life of Bees* is a powerful symbol that holds complex and multifaceted meaning for the characters. She embodies motherly love, protection, hope, resilience, and spiritual connection. Her presence allows the characters to confront their past, find solace, and embark on a journey of healing and self-discovery.