The Price Of Salt by Patricia Highsmith - Exam
The Price Of Salt by Patricia Highsmith
  • 1. The Price of Salt, also known as Carol, is a groundbreaking novel by Patricia Highsmith, first published in 1952 under the pseudonym Claire Morgan. The story unfolds in a post-World War II America, where societal norms and expectations are rigidly defined, particularly regarding sexuality. It follows the intense and transformative relationship between Therese Belivet, a young aspiring set designer working in a department store, and Carol Aird, an elegant and mysterious older woman going through a difficult divorce. Their chance encounter leads to a passionate love affair that defies conventional societal boundaries. Highsmith explores themes of desire, identity, and the struggle for authenticity, as both characters navigate the challenges imposed by society and their own emotional turmoil. The novel is praised for its unflinching portrayal of a same-sex relationship in a time when such love was heavily stigmatized, and it serves as a poignant meditation on the nature of love and the courage to pursue it, regardless of societal judgment. The Price of Salt stands out for its hopeful ending, which contrasts with the tragic outcomes often associated with LGBTQ+ narratives of the time, leaving readers with a sense of possibility and affirmation.

    What is the original title of 'The Price of Salt'?
A) Carol
B) The Price of Love
C) The Silent Flame
D) Forbidden Love
  • 2. Who is the main protagonist of the novel?
A) Richard
B) Therese Belivet
C) Phyllis
D) Carol Aird
  • 3. What profession does Therese aspire to have?
A) Fashion designer
B) Set designer
C) Actress
D) Photographer
  • 4. Who is Carol's estranged husband?
A) Frank
B) Richard
C) Harge
D) David
  • 5. What is the main theme of 'The Price of Salt'?
A) Love and identity
B) Adventure and discovery
C) Friendship and betrayal
D) War and peace
  • 6. What year was 'The Price of Salt' published?
A) 1955
B) 1960
C) 1948
D) 1952
  • 7. In what city does the story take place?
A) San Francisco
B) Boston
C) Chicago
D) New York City
  • 8. What type of relationship do Therese and Carol have?
A) Professional
B) Familial
C) Romantic
D) Platonic
  • 9. What challenge does Carol face besides her relationship with Therese?
A) Health issues
B) Financial ruin
C) Custody battle for her daughter
D) Career sabotage
  • 10. What symbol is associated with Carol throughout the novel?
A) A necklace
B) A handbag
C) A fur coat
D) A ring
  • 11. How do Therese and Carol first meet?
A) At a party
B) In a department store
C) In a café
D) At a film screening
  • 12. How does the book end?
A) With a marriage proposal
B) With hope for a future together
C) With a tragic event
D) With separation and sadness
  • 13. What does the train journey symbolize for Therese and Carol?
A) Escape
B) Fear
C) Danger
D) Adventure
  • 14. Who is Richard in the story?
A) Carol's husband
B) A detective
C) Therese's father
D) Therese's boyfriend
  • 15. What societal issue does the novel address?
A) Class struggle
B) Mental illness
C) Homosexuality
D) Racism
  • 16. Who is the photographer Therese encounters?
A) Jack
B) William
C) Tom
D) Richard
  • 17. What does Therese initially feel towards Carol when they meet?
A) Fascination
B) Fear
C) Jealousy
D) Disinterest
  • 18. What role does secrecy play in the novel?
A) It creates tension.
B) It simplifies relationships.
C) It builds trust.
D) It has no role.
  • 19. What is the significance of the character Harge?
A) He supports Therese.
B) He represents societal norms.
C) He is a main love interest.
D) He is a mentor figure.
  • 20. Which genre does 'The Price of Salt' belong to?
A) Mystery
B) Horror
C) Science Fiction
D) Romance
  • 21. What does the road trip symbolize in the novel?
A) Adventure and fun
B) Loss and regret
C) A break from reality
D) Search for freedom and self-discovery
  • 22. What is Carol's marital status at the beginning of the novel?
A) Single
B) Widowed
C) Engaged
D) Divorced
  • 23. How does Carol's character challenge societal norms?
A) By moving away
B) By rejecting her marriage
C) By changing careers
D) By expressing her love for women openly
  • 24. Who is the author of 'The Price of Salt'?
A) Virginia Woolf
B) Patricia Highsmith
C) Toni Morrison
D) Sylvia Plath
  • 25. What type of narration is used in 'The Price of Salt'?
A) Omniscient
B) First-person
C) Third-person limited
D) Second-person
  • 26. What does the character of Therese seek throughout the plot?
A) Fulfillment and love
B) Solitude and peace
C) Wealth and fame
D) Adventure and excitement
  • 27. In what way does Therese evolve throughout the story?
A) Remains passive
B) Becomes more assertive
C) Becomes more conformist
D) Withdraws socially
  • 28. What is Carol's daughter's name?
A) Cathy
B) Molly
C) Rindy
D) Lucy
  • 29. In which decade is 'The Price of Salt' set?
A) 1960s
B) 1940s
C) 1970s
D) 1950s
  • 30. What is one major risk Carol faces when pursuing her love for Therese?
A) Losing custody of her daughter
B) Financial bankruptcy
C) Her career being ruined
D) Her family disowning her
Created with That Quiz — where a math practice test is always one click away.