Griet'S Power

Griet's Power

"As a woman and a maid, Griet holds little power, while Vermeer exercises his authority over her."

In the novel 'Girl with A Pearl Earring' we find that Griet has more power as a woman and a maid then we may have first thought. As we move deeper into the novel we find that Griet has some power over Vermeer's paintings, along with the Vermeer family and as we reach the end of the novel we learn of her power to destroy the Vermeer family.

Griet becomes a well respected critique of Vermeer's paintings, Vermeer recognises her talent from the moment of the organised vegetables and also when he said "I never thought I could learn from a maid". Griet had a valid opinion towards Vermeer's paintings and her suggestions were taking seriously.

As well as power over Vermeer in his paintings Griet has some power over the family since she is respected by Vermeer. This is shown in the situation when Griet's comb is stolen in the house, when it was found that Cornelia had it Vermeer yells at his wife, saying she should raise them up better.

At the end of the novel we find the true power of Griet, the relationship between Vermeer and his wife deteriorates rapidly when she learns of his painting of her. While this event may have ruined her life within the Vermeer house, it was the Vermeer house itself that was getting destroyed. At the moment of wearing the Pearl earrings she thought to herself "You will ruin me", while this was true, it had a large role in the worsening relationship between Vermeer and his wife.

While at times we may see that Griet only has power through Vermeer she in fact controls him. Through her suggestions and actions her control breaks the family apart digging them further into debt. While Griet may only be a maid and a woman