Alongside there are very obvious and often abused gender differences, there are clear status differences presented as well. Much of the conflict of the story revolves around varies social classes. The premise of the story begins with Griet’s family needing to make extra money to compensate for her father’s blindness. He’s unable to paint and thus, unable to work to provide for the family. Griet, being the oldest daughter of the family, is chosen to work as a maid for the Vermeer family. While Griet initially persists, she realizes she does not have a choice. The lack of communication about this decision just reinforces the social imbalance of society. There was never any doubt Griet would take this job.
We get good insight into Griet’s character fairly early on. A quote I think describes her character well is when she reminisces on a day out with her brother and sister. “I always stopped the game, too inclined to see things as they were to be able to think up things that were not” (12). Griet isn’t oblivious nor is she fanciful. She has a good head on her shoulders and this is proven throughout the story, or at least the first secretion. She knows exactly what to say and who to say it to to make good impressions. She appears respectful and proper, never once letting others know what’s going on inside her head. However, Griet’s politeness and good sense is often taken advantage of by the men in the story. The clear social cut allows the men to act out and think they have a right to Griet’s body, especially van Ruijven.
Men throughout the story abuse their power over young Griet. She can’t even learn about her family’s well-being without a solider making a pass at her. There is this inborn notion that if the woman is of a lower class, she has to bend to the man’s wishes. This theme is prominent throughout the story, especially near the end of the first section. Griet was brought to the Vermeer house to keep things tidy and in line, yet that seems to be almost the opposite of what’s truly happening.
I completely agree. Griet is only one of many women in this age who were taken advantage of because they were sensible and polite. One thing this book does so well is showcase how women are hurt and even abused by people around them. (Even other women in higher classes than them!)