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