The ending of the film is highly ambiguous, and has created considerable debate among critics and audiences as to whether Carol has emancipated herself, or simply traded one form of oppression (as a housewife) for an equally constricting identity as a reclusive invalid.
The ending of the film is highly ambiguous, and has created considerable debate among critics and audiences. Other critics argue that Carol is no happier or more fulfilled at the end of the film, and has traded her status as an invisible housewife for an equally constricting identity as a reclusive invalid.