The major conflict in The Secret Life of Bees revolves around Lily Owens, a 14-year-old girl who struggles with the guilt and trauma of accidentally killing her mother when she was a child. This internal conflict is compounded by her abusive father, T. Ray, who constantly reminds her of her mother’s death and treats her harshly.
Lily’s journey to resolve this conflict begins when she runs away from home with her caretaker, Rosaleen, after Rosaleen is arrested for standing up to racist men. They find refuge with the Boatwright sisters, three African American beekeepers who introduce Lily to a world of love, acceptance, and spirituality. Through her interactions with the sisters and the community, Lily begins to heal from her past and understand the truth about her mother’s life and death.
The conflict is resolved when Lily confronts her father and learns that her mother had left him and intended to return for Lily. This revelation helps Lily come to terms with her mother’s love and her own guilt. By the end of the novel, Lily finds a new sense of belonging and peace with the Boatwright sisters, symbolizing her emotional and spiritual growth.