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].
Highsmith based the character of Carol on a blonde woman in a mink coat she saw while working at Bloomingdale’s during the 1948 Christmas rush [2, 5]. 2. Plot Summary The Price of Salt by Patricia Highsmith
Read the 1990 edition, which includes Highsmith’s afterword about the book's reception [2]. It was revolutionary for its time because it
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]. Plot Summary Read the 1990 edition, which includes
Sophisticated, wealthy, and burdened by the social expectations of her class. She must choose between her daughter and her authentic self.
Highsmith focuses heavily on how Therese watches Carol—the obsession with details like gloves, perfume, and cigarettes [5].
Carol’s former lover and loyal friend, who serves as a bridge between Carol’s past and present. 4. Themes to Explore
