The Sheer Gusto of Jane DeLynn
Briefly

In the third chapter of Patricia Highsmith's novel The Price of Salt, the clear revelation of Therese's sexual identity occurs not through words but through the gaze exchanged between her and another woman, Carol. This moment of recognition is profound, as Therese finds herself captivated by Carol's dominant gaze, which communicates a depth of emotion that words could scarcely capture.
Within their interactions, the two women hardly speak, with the intensity of their connection communicated instead through exchange of glances. A pivotal moment occurs when Therese finally breaks her silence, moving from trivial conversation to expressing her admiration for Carol, highlighting the importance of non-verbal communication in their relationship.
In Muriel Spark's The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, the schoolgirls are on the brink of articulating their inner thoughts, showcasing the power dynamics of silence and the challenges of embracing one's feelings in a world often suppressive of youthful expression.
Read at The Nation
[
|
]