The queen bee serves the same purpose to her hive as the mother in society does. The queen gives the hive life and purpose, a reason for existing. If each bee didn't perform its job in the hive, it would cease to exist. The hive's job is to produce honey. Without motherhood, society would also cease to exist. Lily, so hungry for a mother's love, represents what happens when a person doesn't have the love and guidance of a mother. This is what a mother produces, both life and purpose. The Daughters of Mary feel the same sense of community that the bees do within their hive.
August Boatwright has gained her understanding of life from observing the bees and other things in nature, and she imparts this knowledge to Lily. The honey the bees produce is used not only in the religious rituals of the women, but also in every other part of their lives. It's necessary for both their spiritual and physical needs. This makes the religious imagery inseparable from the nature symbolism.
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