The Price of Salt, or Carol Chapter 10 Quotes
How we cite the quotes:
(Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote 1
She complemented Carol's solemnity, she could remind Carol to laugh. (10.41)
Perhaps opposite identities attract, but Therese has to become more than just Carol's amusement before the two of them can have an equal relationship.
Quote 2
"I should think you'd be good for her. Because Carol's so serious." (10.53)
When Abby says this, we understand that Carol isn't a little frosty only toward Therese—she's this way with everyone. It's part of her stone-faced personality.
Quote 3
Perhaps [Abby] was in love with Carol, too. It put Therese on guard with her. It created a tacit rivalry that gave her a curious exhilaration, a sense of certain superiority over Abby—emotions that Therese had never known before, never dared to dream of, emotions consequently revolutionary in themselves. (10.24)
The jealousy drives a competition between Therese and Abby, in a friendly way, and it also encourages Therese. If Carol can be close with Abby, it gives Therese hope that she can grow close to Carol, too.
Quote 4
"I think I understand better now."
"Understand what?"
"Just—that you win."
"Win what?"
"What," Abby echoed with her head up, looking up at the corner of a building, at the sky, and Therese suddenly felt furiously impatient. (10.95-10.99)
Therese stops being jealous of Abby, both because Abby says she "won," and because she realizes how insecure and immature Abby is. Therese has no reason to be jealous of her because she is no kind of competition.