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