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