Rose Hsu Jordan's Without Wood

312 Words2 Pages
The chapter, “Without Wood,” revolves around Rose Hsu Jordan and her failing marriage. Ted, her soon-to-be ex-husband decides he wants a divorce while on a business trip. The weeds thriving in their once beautiful garden leads Rose to her decisions. The weeds represent her marriage, Rose and her role in marriage, and that she is truly without wood.

The weeds of their garden represent their marriage. Like the weeds, their marriage has been unattended and grown out of hand. “The whole thing had grown wild from months of neglect.” Not only was the author literally referring to the outgrown garden, but also the marriage of Rose and Ted. When Rose and Ted were happily married, Ted would care for the garden. When he was not content with their marriage,