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.

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