Paris Red is a collection of moments in the setting of a story. We are shown these intimate moments alongside short conversations that seem to have no significance. These small conversations keep you wanting more and more from the relationship, but it never comes. There is no happy ending for the love between two people who could not work logically. Griet did not get a happy ending. Louise did not get a happy ending. It is a harsh reality shown through the process of artwork. How art can be so intimate. How you can be intimate with another person, and you can also never live your life with them. How you can become so intimate with a person and still be behind an emotional or physical wall.
I think a notable part about this story is seeing how this is both similar and different to Girl with a Pearl Earring. First we look at the difference in how each character carries themselves. Louise has, sort of, more fire under her, as it seems in the writing. Louise and Griet both have a certain curiosity towards people and things, but Louise does it for fun. Griet does it to understand. Louise creates her life for her, while Griet has her life paths chosen for her. Louise and Griet both sit for art. Louise and Griet both answered to a man. Money is an issue with both Louise and Griet. Desperation can be seen in both stories. Desperation for love, but also financial security. The complications with a story about both.
Yes, there is something to say about the time period. After reading both books, I believe that Griet and Louise would act in a similar way. Griet serves the “masters” that she has, but what if she didn’t have to? Louise still serves her “masters” as well, but because she needs the money, and it is a better option. I believe that if Griet had the option to make art like Louise does, she would. Time makes a serious difference in the ways that people act. If the times were switched, what would be different? Would Louise be subservient like Griet? Would Griet act as Louise does? I think they would.