The Writer As Explorer

Revisiting the first chapter of Girl With A Pearl Earring, several things stood out to me. When Vermeer and Catharina enter the kitchen with Griet’s mother, Vermeer takes interest in the way Griet had laid out the chopped vegetables, neatly arranging them so that the colors do not “fight”. Taking place in 1664, color theory had not yet been studied, and would not be until the 18th century. This small quirk of Griet’s is a hint at the innate artistic ability that is built upon in the later chapters of the novel. Additionally, the conflict between the classes, the way the Vermeer children attempt to dominate Griet, and the way Griet refuses to be bullied and slaps Cornelia, is a very compelling conflict.