The Lady of Chains is a really interesting symbol in the book The Secret Life of Bees. “She was black as she could be, twisted like driftwood from being out in the weather, her face a map of all the storms and journeys she’d been through. Her right arm was raised, as if she was pointing the way, except, except her fingers were closed in a fist. She had a faded red heart painted on her breast and a yellow crescent moon…She was a mix of mighty and humble all in one” (70).
I was a little concerned when it looked like the women were worshiping her, like when they had communion with Mary cakes. But I liked it when August reminded Lily that she was there as a reminder that Mary was every where. Did she mean God or Mary mother of Jesus? Was this like Catholicism and just putting more emphasis on the mother? I like what Mary stood for, especially because she “Broke Chains,” but I sometimes felt that they were putting her in place of Jesus.
I can see why you would be inclined to think this. They surely placed more significance of Mary instead of Jesus, but I'm almost wondering if this had anything to do with the fact that they depended strongly on each other, on other women. These women believed in the power of femininity and sticking together. I almost want to say that they looked up to and admired the black Mary for her strength and courage to do what was right. That is why they respected her so much and worshipped her the way they did.
I completely agree, Emily! The men of their era were not the courageous rescuers that Christ was. Men did not mean safety or security to those women. So why would they look up to a "male" god? I think, exactly as Emily stated, that they looked up to women to be the true humans of courage and safety. The bond they had with each other was deeper than we could ever imagine. Their bonds with men were less so.
I thought that Mary was more of a reminder that there is still good inside of people, because if I recall correctly, in the book, August says something about Mary being inside of everybody. And so I thought that if Mary is inside of everybody, that would mean that everybody has good inside of them, even let's say...T.Ray. In conclusion, Mary gives, mostly August, hope that no matter what, there is a possibility and no matter what, people can change.
The Lady of Chains is a really interesting symbol in the book The Secret Life of Bees. “She was black as she could be, twisted like driftwood from being out in the weather, her face a map of all the storms and journeys she’d been through. Her right arm was raised, as if she was pointing the way, except, except her fingers were closed in a fist. She had a faded red heart painted on her breast and a yellow crescent moon…She was a mix of mighty and humble all in one” (70).
ReplyDeleteI was a little concerned when it looked like the women were worshiping her, like when they had communion with Mary cakes. But I liked it when August reminded Lily that she was there as a reminder that Mary was every where. Did she mean God or Mary mother of Jesus? Was this like Catholicism and just putting more emphasis on the mother? I like what Mary stood for, especially because she “Broke Chains,” but I sometimes felt that they were putting her in place of Jesus.
I can see why you would be inclined to think this. They surely placed more significance of Mary instead of Jesus, but I'm almost wondering if this had anything to do with the fact that they depended strongly on each other, on other women. These women believed in the power of femininity and sticking together. I almost want to say that they looked up to and admired the black Mary for her strength and courage to do what was right. That is why they respected her so much and worshipped her the way they did.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree, Emily! The men of their era were not the courageous rescuers that Christ was. Men did not mean safety or security to those women. So why would they look up to a "male" god? I think, exactly as Emily stated, that they looked up to women to be the true humans of courage and safety. The bond they had with each other was deeper than we could ever imagine. Their bonds with men were less so.
ReplyDeleteI thought that Mary was more of a reminder that there is still good inside of people, because if I recall correctly, in the book, August says something about Mary being inside of everybody. And so I thought that if Mary is inside of everybody, that would mean that everybody has good inside of them, even let's say...T.Ray. In conclusion, Mary gives, mostly August, hope that no matter what, there is a possibility and no matter what, people can change.
ReplyDelete