Rose Hsu Jordan: Half and Half; The Joy Luck Club-Amy Tan; scapegoat

     Rose, the new narrator of this chapter, discusses her and her mother's faith in God.  She tells the narrative of when her brother Bing died at four-years old when he fell into the ocean.  Each member of the family says why Bing's death is their fault.  An-Mei, Roses mother, takes the blame from Rose when she says, " 'I told you to stop their fight.  I told you to take your eyes off him.' "  An-Mei took the blame becoming the scapegoat; even though, the blame was not on just one person.

     Rose connects this childhood tragedy to her husband's recent desire for a divorce.  She knows she has to keep her faith strong.  After Rose tells her mother, she tells Rose she needs to fight for her marriage.  An-Mei tells Rose to work on her marriage even if the outcome of divorce seems inevitable. 

This song by Carrie Underwood would have helped the Hsus cope with the death of Bing, reminding them that there is a place in heaven prepared for us.