This brief but evocative quote from ---Patricia Highsmith---'s The Price of Salt captures a poignant mix of affection and alienation. The phrase "My angel" tenderly addresses someone cherished, implying a deep sense of endearment and protection. However, the subsequent line "Flung out of space" juxtaposes this affection with a feeling of dislocation or being cast away. This duality stirs a profound emotional resonance, suggesting that the person being spoken to is cherished yet somehow distant or estranged from their surroundings or reality. It evokes the image of someone almost celestial, a radiant being who does not quite belong to the earthly realm, thereby implying both elevation and loneliness.

This quote encapsulates themes of love intertwined with separation, a hallmark of Highsmith's nuanced character portrayals and her exploration of complex human emotions. The celestial metaphor elegantly hints at otherness — a key tension in The Price of Salt, known for its subtle examination of relationships that may be out of sync with societal expectations or norms. In this way, the line metaphorically conveys a sense of vulnerability and isolation hidden beneath affection, a testament to the delicate emotional landscapes traversed by the characters.

In reading these lines, one might reflect on how love involves recognizing the uniqueness, and sometimes the pain, embedded within the beloved's experiences. This demonstrates Highsmith's mastery at capturing the bittersweet and sometimes conflicting feelings that define intimate human connection.