Dissatisfaction Quotes in The Price of Salt, or Carol

At first glance, the streets mirror Therese's sad isolation. But this could also be seen as pleasant—Therese isn't always disappointed with being alone. Sometimes she prefers it, especially to being with Richard. She has to find the right company.

Therese knows that if she marries Richard, and perhaps any man, she has a lifetime of one disappointment after another in front of her. Carol probably felt the same way with Harge, but she gritted her teeth and went through with it anyway. The constant disappointment made her the slightly cold woman she is in the book.

Therese has no qualms about letting Richard down, which is a quality we admire in her. She knows she would rather be by herself than be with him, so she says this to avoid setting either of them up for disappointment.