Sue Monk Kidd's The Secret Life Of Bees

Words: 159
Pages: 1

Sue Monk Kidd’s novel, The Secret Life of Bees, indirectly characterizes Lily’s father T-Ray, as a strict, unforgiving man because of his neglect of Lily and harsh punishments. Multiple instances present themselves throughout the beginning of the story that convey T-Ray’s style of parenting. Notably, the morning after T-Ray discovered Lily in the orchard, he shouts to her, “As long as you live under my roof, you’ll do what I say!” (Kidd 26). T-Ray’s outburst conveys his firm control over his daughter and how strict he is. Furthermore, it also suggests he has resentment towards Lily and takes it out on her which is intensified because of his hot temper. As a result of this, he is the proposed antagonist of the story and the effect of his temper