The Queen

The queen bee is truly a Queen in this story, a symbol for the grace and forgiveness that makes a society thrive. Although the hive does not value its members, the Queen does have a kind word and phrase for every bee to whom she speaks. When her character is removed, the hive suffers aimlessness and unrest in her absence.

The Brood

A hive cannot sustain itself without reproduction, and so the Queen's many eggs -- the brood -- is a symbol for continuity and sustenance. With every egg that is malformed or sick, the bees watch a chance for the hive's future die away.

The Sage

The Sage bees are a symbol of oppression and control, and of de-valuing of individual existence. Nearly every scene in which they appear holds an element of fear or struggle. At their hands the bees are controlled either...