6. The Hero

 The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

I believe a hero is someone who stays calm when situations
get out of control, but is still willing to lend a hand.

                                                       



 What qualities do you see in your protagonist that you consider to be (or will become) heroic in nature?

As I am just getting into this novel, there hasn't been a hero clearly described. Based on what I have read so far, I would predict that Rosaleen would come to be the hero. She has the ambition and drive to do whatever she sets her mind to. Rosaleen  portrays a hero in many aspects. She is not scared to speak her mind to T.Ray, standing up for what she and/or Lily believe. Rosaleen takes an inspiring role towards Lily and is willing to sacrifice her job to keep Lily safe. Rosaleen doesn't do these things to make herself feel good, but she is doing it for the greater good of all people.

"Her name, Rosaleen Daise, was written twenty-five times at least down the page in large, careful cursive, like the first paper you turn in when school starts. 'This is my practice sheet,' she said.. 'they're gonna make 'em write their name in perfect cursive and refuse them a card if they forget so much as to dot an i or make a loop in their y.''"  (Sue Monk Kidd, The Secret Life of Bees, page 27)

Rosaleen wanted to register herself for the Fourth of July voters' rally at the colored church. She practiced and practiced writing her name over and over again until she found it to be perfect. Rosaleen has the desire, which many heroes acquire.