Characteristics Of Griet In Girl With A Pearl Earring

Words: 919
Pages: 4

The protagonist in the novel, Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier is Griet. She is a distinctive character in the book, who starts work when her father becomes disabled. Griet is only sixteen. Her family is in need of money, so she begins work as the maid for the famous painter Vermeer. Eventually, Vermeer starts to paint Griet and gives her pearl earrings to wear in the painting. Griet’s reactions to different situations throughout the novel demonstrate many characteristics about her personality. These eye-opening experiences she has, such as being given the pearl earrings, give Griet new perspectives about tasks in life. Eventually, her love for art begins to show as she and Vermeer begin to associate with each other now that she is allowed in the studio. Throughout the novel, Griet demonstrates a willingness, vulnerability, and compassion in her words and actions as a friend, maid, daughter, sister, or significant other.
From the very beginning of the novel, Griet starts to show her willingness. As a result of her father being disabled, the family is in need of money. Griet agrees to go work for the painter Vermeer to provide money for her family, even though she would rather stay home with her sister: “I nodded. Still
…show more content…
Each person in the novel exposes one or more of her many characteristics. She is a dynamic character. Griet has the privilege of being allowed in Vermeer’s studio even though his wife may not which starts conflicts between her and Griet. Her daily life is dictated by the people living in the Vermeer household. These events during her time as help her grow as a person and shapes her towards the ending of the book. Girl with a Pearl Earring is a well-written novel by Tracy Chevalier that expresses the attributes of Griet which grow throughout her time as a