In "The God of Small Things" by Arundhati Roy, the act of folding fear into a rose symbolizes how people can transform their emotional struggles into something beautiful. The character's gesture of holding the rose, filled with fear yet crafted with care, illustrates the complexity of human emotions and the courage to confront them. By presenting this delicate creation to another person, it reflects vulnerability and a desire for connection.

The woman’s acceptance of the rose and placing it in her hair signifies the acknowledgment of that fear and the bond it creates between the characters. It highlights how emotions, even those as challenging as fear, can enhance relationships and bring beauty to life. This moment encapsulates the theme of transforming pain and hardship into love and understanding, making it a poignant reflection on the nature of human experience.