Chapter 7: Tragic or Romantic? – Summary and Analysis

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.

Summary

Chapter 7 opens on Monday, February 5, 2024, at 5 a.m. Tuesday has joined Ricki at the Flower District in Chelsea, desperate to discuss the stakeout from the previous chapter. Ricki is evasive, but Tuesday insists the connection between Ricki and the mysterious man felt deeper than a chance encounter. Ricki reveals her history of chaotic relationships: at sixteen she joined the UniverSoul Circus for a tightrope walker, and later hid a thief in her parents' Atlanta home who stole food and her mother's wigs. A flashback to Ricki at age five shows her mother Carole teaching her that men lead and that her job is to be "easier to love." Ricki mimicked Carole's words while dressed up, leading to a harsh punishment. Back in the present, Ricki's flower shop, Wilde Things, is failing. She buys discounted, wilted stock and worries the business is ending. That night, she walks to the 145th Street Community Garden. There she encounters the Garden Gentleman. She dropkicks him in surprise, then they argue. He explains he bought her portrait anonymously to support young artists. He admits he is twenty-eight, a former musician. They discuss the myth of night-blooming jasmine—a princess who burned herself for the sun god. Ricki calls it romantic; Ezra calls it tragic. They trade personal details: his full name is Ezra Vaughn Percival Walker the Fourth or Fifth. He says they should avoid each other, but both confess they are curious. Ricki leaves knowing she will see him again.

Key Events in Chronological Order

Flower District confrontation – Tuesday joins Ricki at dawn to press her about the stakeout. Ricki deflects but eventually shares her history with bad relationships.
Flashback to age five – Carole scolds Ricki for mimicking her teachings about male leadership and being "easy to love," forcing her into a cold shower.
Wilde Things decline – Ricki realizes her shop is failing; she can only afford wilted flowers and feels defeated.
Garden encounter – Ricki goes to the 145th Street Community Garden at night and is startled by Ezra. She dropkicks him.
Conversation and explanations – Ezra explains he bought the portrait anonymously to support artists; he is not stalking her.
Jasmine myth debate – They discuss whether the story of the princess and the sun god is tragic or romantic. Ezra says tragic, Ricki says romantic.
Names and identities – Ezra reveals his full name; Ricki introduces herself as Richard Wilde the Second.
Mutual curiosity – Both acknowledge they are drawn to each other but agree to avoid each other. Ricki is certain they will meet again.

Character Development

Ricki Wilde – This chapter deepens Ricki’s backstory, showing her rebellious streak and her struggle to escape her family’s expectations. She is self-aware about her pattern of chasing dangerous men but is clearly tempted by Ezra. Her professional desperation adds vulnerability.
Tuesday Rowe – Acts as Ricki’s confidante and sounding board. Her persistence reveals her loyalty and curiosity. She jokes about being a "supporting character," showing humility.
Ezra Vaughn Percival Walker – He remains enigmatic but reveals key traits: he is private, anxious (uses a meditation app), supports young artists, and feels a deep, conflicted pull toward Ricki. His interpretation of the jasmine myth hints at past pain.
Carole Wilde – In the flashback, Carole is shown as a strict, traditional mother who enforces gender roles and emotional suppression. Her tears suggest she believes she is protecting Ricki.

Themes, Symbols, and Motifs

Tragic vs. Romantic Love – The central debate of the chapter. The jasmine myth embodies the tension between self-destructive devotion (tragic) and all-consuming passion (romantic). Ezra and Ricki’s opposing views foreshadow their potential relationship.
Curiosity and Risk – The expanded proverb "Curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back" captures the chapter’s theme: Ricki is willing to risk pain for the reward of knowing Ezra.
The Garden as Sanctuary – The community garden is a place of refuge, silence, and natural beauty, separate from the chaos of New York. It facilitates intimacy and self-reflection.
Flowers and Aesthetics – Ricki’s love of beauty and "aesthete" identity is contrasted with her business struggles. Flowers symbolize her desire to cultivate elegance in a harsh world.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter solidifies the central romantic tension between Ricki and Ezra. It provides crucial backstory for Ricki’s rebellious nature and her fear of repeating toxic patterns. The jasmine myth becomes a metaphor for their potential relationship—whether it will be a tragic collision or a wild romance. The parallel between Ricki's childhood conditioning and her adult choices deepens the novel's exploration of family legacy and self-determination. The chapter also raises stakes for Ricki’s business, adding economic pressure to her emotional turmoil.

Study Questions and Answers

1. Why does Ricki tell Tuesday about the UniverSoul Circus incident, and what does it reveal about her character?
Ricki shares the story to explain her history of falling for unavailable, dangerous men. It shows she is self-aware about her pattern but also willing to trust Tuesday, as this is a deeply personal secret.

2. How does the night-blooming jasmine myth function in this chapter?
The myth illustrates the central conflict of the chapter: Ezra sees love that burns as tragic, while Ricki views it as wildly romantic. It reflects their differing perspectives on risk and vulnerability in relationships.

3. What does Ezra’s statement “Curiosity killed the cat” say about his attitude toward Ricki?
Ezra uses the proverb to warn Ricki (and himself) that pursuing their connection could lead to harm. However, by finishing the saying, Ricki implies the reward is worth the risk, mirroring her willingness to engage despite her better judgment.