Going the Distance

The end of The Price of Salt was a little unexpected. I felt that the distance Carol created for herself was only recovered by the fact that they ended up having sex. Carol’s response to Therese’s first out loud I love you is a question; “Don’t you know I love you?” (189). Even though asked in a ‘matter of fact’ tone, there is still a distance of attachment that Carol seems to cross. One might say that she is afraid of commitment. Carol’s fear colors the way Therese is allowed to get close to her, especially in subsequent scenes where Therese attempts to hold hands and make contact, but is refuted both by Carol and the rules of 1950s society, “In the eyes of the world it’s an abomination” (198). When Carol flies back to New York and secludes herself, the reader is aware of Therese’s need for her company, but at the same time, I feel as if her interest and almost puppy love for Carol wanes. Therese kind of adheres to the romantic notion of finding herself by getting a job. However, what I find to be the most interesting detail in this scene is that Therese is attracted to the actress whom she might be working closely with. As these sexual/intimate thoughts directly reflect/serve to remind her of Carol, I wonder if what Therese sees as interest, is really just her inability to get over Carol. I find this implied relationship to be too much of a coincidence. If it is real, it’s kind of an overly romantic plot device. The fact that Therese seeks out Carol after this encounter seems natural to follow and yet I still believe that Therese is reading too much into this relationship. Therese admits that she has changed and will always love Carol, but I doubt Carol will always love Therese. I sort of see Therese in Richard’s eyes, as a play thing until she gets bored. Even though Carol has gone through a divorce and loss of a child, I feel like to her, Therese is the rebound girl. Some would argue that Therese means more to Carol simply because her relationship with Abby only lasted about two months. Although this may be true, Carol wasn’t going through these trials at the time, and didn’t have the responsibility or image to uphold. In other words, Carol only had herself to think about when she was with Abby.