The Price Of Salt By Patricia Highsmith -

Read the 1990 edition, which includes Highsmith’s afterword about the book's reception [2].

Watch the 2015 adaptation, Carol , directed by Todd Haynes, starring Rooney Mara and Cate Blanchett. It is widely praised for capturing the novel's atmospheric tension [7].

Much of the tension arises from the disparity between Therese’s working-class struggle and Carol’s mid-century luxury [1]. The Price of Salt by Patricia Highsmith

It was revolutionary for its time because it defied the "tragic lesbian" trope of the 1950s, where queer characters were typically punished, killed, or "cured" by the final page [3, 4].

Young, artistic, and feeling trapped in a stagnant relationship with her boyfriend, Richard. She is the "observer" of the novel. Much of the tension arises from the disparity

The road trip represents a temporary utopia that is eventually shattered by the legal realities of 1950s society [6]. 5. Essential Reading/Viewing

Highsmith focuses heavily on how Therese watches Carol—the obsession with details like gloves, perfume, and cigarettes [5]. She is the "observer" of the novel

Carol’s former lover and loyal friend, who serves as a bridge between Carol’s past and present. 4. Themes to Explore