Lily's quest in "The Secret Life of Bees" is to uncover the truth about her mother, who died when she was young. She leaves her abusive father's home to seek answers and learns from August Boatwright that her mother once stayed with her but initially left Lily behind. This painful revelation leads Lily to find maternal love and support in August and within herself, ultimately helping her heal and grow.

In "The Secret Life of Bees," the "Calendar Sisters"—April, May, June, and August Boatwright—live in Tiburon, South Carolina. August, the matriarch, leads the Daughters of Mary, a group worshiping Our Lady of Chains. Lily, fleeing her abusive father, finds refuge with them. Their nurturing support transforms Lily from a scared, angry child into a mature, strong individual, capable of confronting her past and accepting her mother's story.

Lily's interactions with Rosaleen in "The Secret Life of Bees" resemble mother-daughter dynamics as Rosaleen, the adult female figure in Lily's life, provides care, love, and guidance akin to a maternal role. She cooks, maintains the household, and sets limits, celebrating Lily's birthday and protecting her from her father's punishments. However, racial dynamics and Rosaleen's own need for maternal support create a more complex, egalitarian relationship, differing from traditional mother-daughter roles.

Lily's accidental killing of her mother reveals her struggle with guilt and feelings of being unlovable. Despite her mother's abandonment, the text suggests that Lily was deeply loved by her mother. The relationship is more about Lily's journey to forgive herself and understand her mother's love. August's reassurance highlights that Lily is lovable regardless of her childhood mistake, emphasizing themes of redemption and hope for the future.

Lily's quest to learn about her mother evolves into self-discovery as she uncovers her mother's past and gains a deeper understanding of her own identity. By learning about her mother from August and others, Lily sees her as a flawed individual, which helps her accept herself. Her journey introduces her to new perspectives, communities, and spirituality, allowing her to grow beyond prejudice and resentment. This transformative journey ultimately provides Lily with self-acceptance and a broader understanding of the world.

The search for identity in The Secret Life of Bees is deeply tied to motherly figures. Lily seeks understanding of her deceased mother and finds a surrogate in Rosaleen, while both women seek maternal connections. The Boatwright sisters, especially August, become mother figures to Lily and Rosaleen, while "Our Lady of Chains" symbolizes a universal mother. The novel highlights that motherhood transcends biological ties, with characters finding identity through these nurturing relationships.

The Black Madonna in "The Secret Life of Bees" symbolizes maternal love, strength, and the power of the feminine. She represents a source of comfort and guidance for the characters, particularly Lily, as they navigate their personal struggles and search for identity. The Black Madonna also reflects themes of spirituality and the blending of different cultural beliefs.