The Price of Salt by Patricia Highsmith is a novel that was published in 1952. The novel tells the story of a young shop girl named Therese who falls in love with a married woman named Carol. The novel is a romance, mystery, and coming-of-age tale that contains autobiographical elements.
One of the most notable aspects of The Price of Salt is its use of allegory. The novel is filled with symbols, motifs, and themes that are used to convey deeper meanings. For example, the title of the novel itself is an allegory, representing the cost of living an authentic life. The novel also explores themes of identity, desire, and societal expectations.
The Price of Salt has been praised for its groundbreaking portrayal of a lesbian relationship. At the time of its publication, it was rare for a mainstream novel to feature a same-sex relationship as its central plot. The novel has since become a classic of LGBT literature and has been adapted into a critically acclaimed film, Carol, starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara.
Overview of ‘The Price of Salt’
‘The Price of Salt’ is a 1952 novel written by Patricia Highsmith. The novel tells the story of a young woman named Therese Belivet, who works as a department store clerk in New York City. She meets a wealthy and sophisticated woman named Carol Aird, and the two women begin a romantic relationship.
The novel is considered groundbreaking for its time because it portrays a lesbian relationship in a positive light. Highsmith wrote the novel under the pseudonym Claire Morgan because she was concerned about the potential backlash from the public and critics.
‘The Price of Salt’ is a coming-of-age story that explores themes of love, desire, and identity. The novel is also known for its allegorical elements, with some critics interpreting the story as a commentary on societal norms and the struggle for acceptance.
Patricia Highsmith and Her Literary Style
Patricia Highsmith was known for her unique literary style that is characterized by suspense, psychological depth, and a focus on the inner workings of the human mind. Her writing style was often compared to that of Edgar Allan Poe and her works were known for their dark and brooding atmosphere.
Highsmith’s writing was also known for its use of allegory, which allowed her to explore complex themes and issues in a subtle and nuanced way. In “The Price of Salt,” Highsmith uses the story of two women falling in love as an allegory for the struggle for personal freedom and self-acceptance.
Highsmith’s prose is spare and precise, with a focus on detail that allows the reader to immerse themselves in the world of the story. Her characters are often flawed and complex, with their inner struggles and conflicts driving the narrative forward.
Allegorical Elements in ‘The Price of Salt’
Character Symbolism
In ‘The Price of Salt,’ Patricia Highsmith uses character symbolism to convey the novel’s allegorical elements. Therese, the protagonist, symbolizes the individual’s struggle for self-discovery and acceptance. Carol, on the other hand, represents the societal norms and expectations that constrain individuals. The contrast between the two characters highlights the tension between the individual and society, which is a central theme of the novel.
Setting as Allegory
The setting of ‘The Price of Salt’ also serves as an allegory. The novel takes place in the 1950s, a time when homosexuality was considered taboo and illegal. The social and legal restrictions of the time period are reflected in the novel’s setting. The oppressive atmosphere of the 1950s is further emphasized by the use of dark and dreary imagery throughout the novel.
Plot and Allegory
The plot of ‘The Price of Salt’ is also allegorical. The novel follows Therese and Carol’s journey as they navigate their forbidden love in a society that does not accept them. Their struggle for acceptance and freedom is a metaphor for the struggle of all marginalized individuals to live their lives authentically in a society that seeks to control and oppress them.
Themes and Motifs
Love and Desire
The Price of Salt explores the complex nature of love and desire. The novel portrays the intense romantic relationship between Therese and Carol, two women who fall in love despite societal norms and expectations. The theme of love and desire is further emphasized by the use of motifs such as the telephone, which brings the two women together and serves as a symbol of their connection.
Freedom and Confinement
Another major theme in The Price of Salt is freedom and confinement. The novel depicts the struggles of individuals who are confined by societal norms and expectations. Therese and Carol’s relationship is hindered by societal disapproval and the fear of persecution. The motif of confinement is further emphasized by the use of settings such as the department store, which represents the constraints of societal norms.
Identity and Self-Discovery
The Price of Salt also explores the theme of identity and self-discovery. The novel portrays the journey of Therese, who discovers her true identity and desires through her relationship with Carol. The motif of mirrors is used to symbolize the process of self-discovery as Therese reflects on her own identity and desires. The novel also highlights the importance of being true to oneself and embracing one’s identity.
Historical Context of the Novel
1950s America
The Price of Salt by Patricia Highsmith was published in 1952, during a time when homosexuality was considered taboo and even illegal in some parts of America. The novel’s setting takes place during the same decade, portraying the societal norms and attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals at the time. The novel’s protagonist, Therese Belivet, struggles with her own sexual identity and societal pressures to conform to heteronormative expectations.
LGBTQ+ Representation in Literature
During the 1950s, LGBTQ+ representation in literature was rare and often censored. Highsmith’s decision to publish The Price of Salt under a pseudonym reflects the societal stigma attached to LGBTQ+ literature at the time. The novel was initially marketed as a pulp fiction romance, but it has since gained recognition as a groundbreaking work of LGBTQ+ literature. The novel’s honest portrayal of same-sex love and desire challenged societal norms and paved the way for future LGBTQ+ representation in literature.
Critical Reception and Impact
Initial Reception
Upon its release in 1952, “The Price of Salt” was met with mixed reviews. While some praised the novel for its honest portrayal of lesbian relationships, others criticized it for its controversial subject matter. Despite the mixed reviews, the novel gained a cult following among the LGBTQ+ community and became a bestseller in the lesbian pulp fiction genre.
Modern Perspectives
In recent years, “The Price of Salt” has received renewed critical attention and praise for its groundbreaking representation of lesbian relationships. Scholars have hailed the novel as a significant contribution to LGBTQ+ literature and a milestone in the portrayal of same-sex love in mainstream fiction.
The novel’s impact can also be seen in its influence on popular culture. In 2015, the film adaptation of the novel, “Carol,” was released to critical acclaim and received several Academy Award nominations. The success of the film brought renewed attention to the novel and solidified its place in literary history.
Comparative Analysis
Similar Works of the Era
During the 1950s, lesbian pulp novels were a popular genre, and The Price of Salt was one of the first to break away from the typical formulaic plot. However, it shares similarities with other works of the era, such as Ann Bannon’s Beebo Brinker series, which also explored lesbian relationships and the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals during that time. Another work that shares similarities with The Price of Salt is Radclyffe Hall’s The Well of Loneliness, which also deals with the theme of same-sex love and the societal rejection of it.
Influence on Contemporary Fiction
The Price of Salt has had a significant influence on contemporary fiction, particularly in the LGBTQ+ genre. It paved the way for more nuanced and complex depictions of same-sex relationships in literature. The novel’s themes of love, desire, and societal rejection continue to resonate with readers today. The influence of The Price of Salt can be seen in works such as Sarah Waters’ Tipping the Velvet and Jeanette Winterson’s Written on the Body, both of which explore similar themes of same-sex love and the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals.
Adaptations and Interpretations
Cinematic Adaptation: ‘Carol’
In 2015, the novel was adapted into a critically acclaimed film titled ‘Carol’. Directed by Todd Haynes, the film stars Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara in the lead roles. The film follows the story of Therese and Carol’s relationship, and the obstacles they face due to societal norms and expectations. The film received multiple nominations and awards, including six Academy Award nominations.
Literary Analysis
The Price of Salt has been analyzed and interpreted in various ways by literary critics. Some critics view the novel as a feminist text, as it challenges traditional gender roles and societal expectations. Others interpret the novel as an allegory for the LGBTQ+ community, highlighting the struggles and discrimination faced by individuals in that community during the 1950s.
The novel has also been analyzed in terms of its writing style and themes. Highsmith’s use of symbolism and imagery has been praised by some critics, while others have criticized the novel for its slow pace and lack of action. Overall, The Price of Salt remains a significant work in LGBTQ+ literature and continues to inspire adaptations and interpretations.