Thoughts on the Beginning

In the beginning of The Price of Salt not many things are clear. The ambivalence that Therese shows to various things in her life does not allow for some easy first pages. It is difficult to judge specifically what Therese is missing or simply what she wants. However, it is clear what she does not want. One of the first interactions we witness is that with the unbearably sad Mrs. Robichek. Through Mrs. Robichek we are able to discern one of Therese’s greatest fears. She represents someone who was never able to truly realize their desire in life. She states that at a certain time she was a dress maker. Whether she was truly successful or not is something that we cannot know for sure, but what is known is that she works in the same stifling job as Therese. Mrs. Robichek has also appeared to have resigned herself to that situation. Judging from Thererese’s reaction at Mrs. Robichek’s apartment this outcome is something she is afraid of. One other thing that Therese is very adamant about is her lack of affection for her boyfriend Richard. So far in the book this is about the only thing she is very sure of. She repeatedly tells herself, and him, that she neither loves him nor is going to Europe. Unfortunately he never seems to understand this.

I guess what I have been wondering is why these two things are her only real convictions thus far. She is ambivalent about her new job in set design and her desire for Carol is present but not willingly flushed out as of yet. However, the two previously mentioned topics are things that pertain directly to Therese’s future, her job and possible husband. She is terrified of becoming something that on some level she knows she wants to avoid. Yet at this moment she seems unable to have control over her life. She seems to be a submissive observer. On the other hand, it is clear that the more she interacts with Carol, the more she feels a need to be an open participant in her own life.