Everyone needs to find his or her place in the world, but it's harder to do so the more unique your tastes are. Football fans? They're a dime a dozen. People who like playing lacrosse while dressed up as their favorite Dr. Who character? They're few and far between. Okay, these folks are probably more common than we think, but the point is that it can get discouraging when you feel like you don't fit in, and you're in your Tardis all alone… just you and your lacrosse stick.
In the 1950s, pre-Internet, it was really hard for non-conformists and social outcasts to find a place where you fit in. For lesbians like Carol and Therese in The Price of Salt, fitting in is only more difficult since their sexual identities require them to do everything on the DL. The world can be a sad and lonely place until you find a community.
Questions About Dissatisfaction
- Why doesn't Therese like her department store job? Is the job the problem or is she the problem?
- Why is Carol dissatisfied with her marriage?
- Is Richard actually satisfied with his relationship with Therese? Why isn't he unhappy with her, when she clearly isn't into him?