Half And Half

"...faith was just an illusion that somehow you're in control. I found the most I could have was hope, and that with that I was not denying any possibility, good or bad. I was just saying, if there is a choice, dear God or whatever you are, here's where the odds should be placed." (p. 128)

Rose Hsu Jordan is unable to make decisions. A major event in her life resulted in the death of her brother and her decision making ability. She just holds on to what little hope that she has left and just waits for things to happen. Her mother is a strong contrast to her, as we observe in most of these parables.  Her mother is so confident that Bing's still alive that she goes to great lengths to return him from the ocean's grasp alive. This takes a toll on An-mei's confidence, but it is still exhibited when we see her keeping her beloved and cherished bible clean as a whistle, kindling her strength and faith.
However, because this takes such a great toll on Rose, it effects her marriage with Ted. Their relationship is based on this long chain of hero to victim behaviors that both of them need to keep the marriage functioning. When Ted starts making mistakes in his decisions, you can see this his confidence is lessened, and Rose, unable to make decisions, cannot contribute to the marriage. Rose's marriage was based on her indecision and Ted's supremacy which is ironically, what led to the down fall that brings their marriage to it's end.