What is August's reply when Lily asked if she believes putting black cloths over the hives will help May get to heaven?

What is August's reply when Lily asked if she believes putting black cloths over the hives will help May get to heaven?

• A. A reminder that death gives way to light.
• B. A sign of mourning.
• C. An act of protest.
• D. An omen of bad harvest.

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is how symbolism carries meaning about life, death, and hope. When August speaks of the black cloths over the hives, she isn’t presenting a magical remedy to get May into heaven. She’s reframing the gesture as a reminder that death isn’t the end and that light follows darkness. In the world of the story, light often symbolizes truth, release, and the possibility of a future beyond grief. So the best answer captures that deeper message—that the act is a comfort and a way to hold onto hope, rather than a simple sign of mourning or a protest, or a forecast of harvest troubles.

The main idea here is how symbolism carries meaning about life, death, and hope. When August speaks of the black cloths over the hives, she isn’t presenting a magical remedy to get May into heaven. She’s reframing the gesture as a reminder that death isn’t the end and that light follows darkness. In the world of the story, light often symbolizes truth, release, and the possibility of a future beyond grief. So the best answer captures that deeper message—that the act is a comfort and a way to hold onto hope, rather than a simple sign of mourning or a protest, or a forecast of harvest troubles.