Rose of Sharon

in the king james version of the bible, in song of solomon, solomon says i am the rose of sharon. but some people call jesus the rose of sharon.

also in grapes of wrath, one of jamie's favorite books there is a character who is named rose of sharon who is left by her husband.

so i think jamie uses that name as a reference for someone who is rejected or unwanted despite desperatly trying to be as sweet as they can.

like jesus was rejected and killed. "but i don't see you for who you are"

and rose of sharon's husband left her. "ringless finger"

the rose of sharon in the song:

"a quiet failure sleeping next to you" "cause you know you are nobody"