Book: The Secret Life of Bess Chapter# 10

Chapter 10

The suicide note

• May tells August and June that it is 'her time to die, and it's your time to live. Don't mess it up'

• May expresses her desire to travel the world before she dies

• May leaves a message about her favorite memories with August and June

• May asks August and June to take care of her belongings after her death

Chapter 10

Summary

• The chapter details May Boatwright's tragic suicide and its impact on the household and Lily.

• The chapter focuses on the joys of life and the celebration of new beginnings.

• The chapter describes a festive gathering in honor of May Boatwright.

• The chapter explores the themes of friendship and loyalty among the characters.

Chapter 10

New perspectives on death

• Through the rituals and the example of the Boatwright sisters, Lily learns to see death as part of a larger cycle of life and rebirth, giving her the courage to face her own past.

• Lily believes that death is the end of all things and should be feared.

• The Boatwright sisters teach Lily that death is a punishment for past mistakes.

• Lily learns to ignore death and focus solely on the present.

Chapter 10

• May goes to her 'wailing wall' after learning of Zach's imprisonment.

• May celebrates Zach's release with her friends.

• May decides to confront Zach's attackers.

• May ignores Zach's situation and goes on a trip.

Chapter 10

• Zach's release

• Zach is released from jail when a witness comes forward to identify the actual culprit.

• Zach escapes from jail during a prison riot.

• Zach is released due to a lack of evidence against him.

• Zach is released after serving his full sentence.

Chapter 10

The vigil

• August organizes a four-day vigil for May, with her body laid out in the living room.

• The Daughters of Mary refuse to help with the vigil.

• Lily feels isolated from the community during the vigil.

• The vigil is held for a week instead of four days.

Chapter 10

• June's decision

• June decides to move to a new city.

• August encourages June to marry Neil, stating she's been 'half-living' her life.

• June refuses to marry Neil despite August's advice.

• June chooses to focus on her career instead of relationships.

Chapter 10: What happens to May in the story?

• She finds a treasure in the river.

• She drowns herself with a heavy stone on her chest.

• She is rescued by her family.

• She moves to another town.

Chapter 10: When the police arrive, they question Lily and Rosaleen. What does the white officer, Eddie Hazelwurst, do during the questioning?

• Makes racist remarks about Lily's choice to live with Black women

• Offers assistance to Lily and Rosaleen

• Apologizes for the situation

• Informs them about their rights

Chapter 10

Lily's prayers

• Lily prays for May to tell her mother, Deborah, that she is safe and to send her a sign of her love.

• Lily prays for May to forgive her for not being there.

• Lily prays for May to help her find peace in her heart.

• Lily prays for May to guide her in her future decisions.