Summary:
Griet goes to the tile factory to tell her brother, Fran, about Agnes’s sickness, and he is surprised that nobody has told him before. Finally, the quarantine leaves and Griet can go home and see her family; unfortunately, Agnes dies. Maria Thins and Tanneke knowing about Agnes act kindly towards her for few days, but Catharina is still the same about Griet. After the sixth child of Catharina and Vermeer was born, Franciscus, Griet and Tanneke start preparing the house for the birth feast. During the party van Ruijven suggests to Vermeer to paint Griet, but nothing is decided. One day, while Griet is cleaning the windows of the studio, Vermeer sees how the light comes through the cleaned windows; on the next morning he starts a new painting, the baker’s daughter. Vermeer decides to teach Griet how to make the colors and about the process of painting. Plus, Griet starts running errands for Vermeer, but everything is a secret from the others. So because of these extra tasks, Griet gives excuses that she is sick or need to sew at her bedroom because of the better light. Tanneke complains she cannot sleep because of the baby, so Vermeer suggests moving Griet to the attic and Tanneke to Griet’s bedroom. Even though, the idea might sound strange Catharina and Maria Thins accept the suggestion. One day Maria Thins looking for Griet goes to the attic, and she finds out Griet is assisting Vermeer with his painting. At first, she seems upset, but she realizes with Griet’s help Vermeer can paint faster. She doesn’t anything, but she seems to agree in keeping the secret from Catharina.
Part I Liked:
After giving birth to Franciscus, Catharina remained in her bedroom while the maids are preparing the house, cleaning and cooking for the birth feast. On page 80, Tanneke makes a funny comment about her mistress. Catharina would like to have the house spotless every day, so Tanneke calls her “queen of the bedcovers;” she behaves like a queen but spend most of the time in her bed.
Confusing Part:
On page 77, when Franciscus was born Griet makes an observation about Vermeer, “He looked proud and embarrassed.” Vermeer has already five children, so why Griet thinks he looks embarrassed?
Questions:
Cornelia seems to be nice to Griet when they are in front of people, but if she sees a chance to be mean to Griet she doesn’t waste it. Why is Cornelia so mean to Griet? Is she still upset to Griet abput the slap in the face she got from Griet? (p.22)
During the birth feast van Ruijven sort of harasses Griet, and Vermeer doesn’t do anything to help her. However, Pieter the butcher sees what it is happening and asks her another glass of wine, making her to move way from van Ruijven (p.83). Why does Pieter do that? Maybe he knows his son is interested in Griet. So is he watching her for his son?
Interpretation:
I think it is very interesting to see how Griet is growing as a woman. Now she sees Vermeer with different eyes. He is not just any painter that hired her to be a maid of his house and clean his studio. Griet sees Vermeer as a talent painter, who has seen something more on her than just another maid. Pieter, the butcher’s son, is also interested in Griet. Even though, she is aware that Pieter has expectation in his eyes, Griet still pretend not to know his intentions.
No comments:
Post a Comment