Hello once again Readers!
Now that I am fully into my novel (for my reading sections are set up by the years Griet stays in the Vermeers house and are not of equal page length) I have a well developed understanding of the plots and characters in the novel. As I predicted, the relationships between the characters became tainted and twisted. Griet catches the interest of Vermeer’s best patron who has insisted Griet is in Vermeer’s next painting. van Ruijven (the patron) has a reputation for making girls his after he demands a painting of them. This stirs up conflict between Vermeer and van Ruijven which is obvious to Maria Thins who states, “My son-in-law is no willing to paint you with van Ruijven than you are willing to sit with him” (Chevalier 157). She points out how Vermeer has become possessive over Griet and the two develop an unspoken relationship that Vermeer’s friend, Van Leeuwenhoek, notices and warns Griet to, “watch out for yourself,my dear…you must know that he’s painting you to satisfy van Ruijven. Van Ruijven’s interest in you has made your master protective of you… do not get caught in their battle. You could be hurt” (Chevalier 185). His warning seems to be a foreshadowing to the end of the novel and the resolution of the love triangle.
Meanwhile, Catharine is carrying another child as her husband becomes closer to Griet. I believe her need for a big family is because of her distant relationship with her husband. I feel that this lack of attention she receives drives her crazy inside, so she seeks for an excess of love from other sources, her children. This separation between the two worlds of her family, her and the children from Vermeer and his painting grow throughout the novel, and burst open in the end of the section when Vermeer finally makes it clear to his wife that, “you and the children are not a part of this world.. you are not meant to be” (Chevalier 214). He recognizes the separation between his family, which further upsets Catharine causing her to have a miscarriage.
I hope the end of the novel will provide some happiness for all characters in some form, and that Griet is able to recover from the shocking events that occurred the day Catharine found the painting.
Above, is the trailer for the movie version of Girl with a Pearl Earring, starring Scarlett Johnson as Griet.
Click on this for a timeline concerning events from the 1600s – 1700s. On the left hand side of the page is a column with numerous years listed. You can click on the different years to get an in-depth explanation of events during that time, verses the general explanation of the page listed. Griet lived in an era where religious ideals and tolerance were changing. This affected the treatment of each other, the religious classes, and the introduction of new ideas. The Plague unfortunately occurs in this century too which in the story mercilessly kills Griet’s younger sister.
This imovie creation showcases Vermeer’s artwork and displays his pieces so one can understand his subjects and style of painting.
I found it very interesting that the painter only wanted to paint the maid to satisfy his wants and needs. Also, It was interesting that he only goes for the young girls like it said in the video. Also how Griet likes the painter even though she knows that she may be hurt. Griet may end up being hurt. This could cause potential conflict in the story.
Wow! This book sounds really intriguing. It sounds like the author created a really interesting story from the painting. I can’t help but wonder what the painter would think about this book (and the movie that came from the story). I think that Griet sounds like a very deep character, with a lot behind her.
Overall, I sounds like The Girl With the Pearl Earring sounds like an amazing book. I look forward to learning (as you continue to post) more about the love triangle, and Griet’s relationships with the other people in her life.