The Price of Salt Summary & Key Insights

Patricia Highsmith's The Price of Salt, later published as Carol, tells the story of a passionate, forbidden love affair between two women in 1950s New York. The narrative centers on Therese Belivet, a young, somewhat aimless shop assistant at a department store, and Carol Aird, a wealthy and sophisticated married woman.

Their connection begins with a chance encounter. Therese, observing Carol’s quiet elegance and subtle sadness, finds herself captivated. Carol, in turn, recognizes a kindred spirit in Therese’s understated intelligence and quiet yearning. Their initial interactions are tentative, but a growing mutual attraction blossoms quickly, fueled by shared glances, subtle gestures, and carefully chosen words.

Their relationship develops subtly yet intensely over the course of the novel. Christmas provides a pivotal setting, marking a turning point in their burgeoning romance as they spend time together, solidifying their connection amidst the festive, yet ultimately superficial, atmosphere. They embark on a road trip together, a crucial element that allows them to escape societal pressures and fully explore their feelings. This journey is fraught with both exhilarating passion and the anxiety of their precarious situation. The intimacy and freedom they experience on the road contrast sharply with the constrained lives they lead back in New York.

However, their idyllic escape cannot last. Carol's marriage is a significant obstacle. She is trapped in a loveless union with her husband, Harge, a man whose emotional immaturity and self-centeredness are apparent. The revelation of their affair threatens to disrupt Carol's life, and her custody battle over her daughter, Rindy, hangs heavy over their developing romance. This conflict forces both women to confront the harsh realities of their social context, where a same-sex relationship is considered scandalous and legally precarious.

The novel explores the complexities of societal expectations and the emotional toll of closeted existence. The characters grapple with the intense pressure to conform, the fear of judgment, and the devastating consequences of living a life of secrecy. The intense emotional turmoil experienced by both Therese and Carol, particularly Carol’s internal conflict and the devastating consequences of her choices, forms a central theme.

The novel's ending is ambiguous, leaving the reader to ponder the future of their relationship. While there is a sense of hope and possibility, it is tinged with uncertainty about the difficulties that lie ahead. Ultimately, The Price of Salt is a poignant exploration of love, desire, and the challenges faced by those who dare to defy societal norms in pursuit of their true selves. It stands as a powerful and enduring testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity and the enduring power of love.