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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. In what way are Catharina and Griet similar at the end of the novel?

2. Why did Griet believe that the backlash from Catharina was not as intense as it should be?

3. Who would be in the portrait with Griet for van Ruijven?

4. According to Griet's mother, what did Vermeer's paintings represent?

5. What body part did Vermeer tell Griet she must bare?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Griet's hair symbolize?

2. What foreshadowing was evident when the portrait was finished?

3. Why did Vermeer seem extremely protective of Griet in Van Ruijven's presence?

4. Why did Griet keep her hair hidden?

5. When Griet visits the Vermeers ten years later, in what condition is the family?

6. What happened when Pieter met Griet's family at church?

7. Why was it hard for Vermeer to paint Griet?

8. What is the purpose of the final chapter of the novel?

9. Why did Griet have sex with Pieter in the alley?

10. How do the pearls show that Vermeer did not care about Griet?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How does the Vermeer family background affect Griet? How does the background of the family influence Griet to behave in certain ways?

Essay Topic 2

Describe the role that one specific art piece in Girl with a Pearl Earring plays in the novel. For example, you may choose to describe the role of the crucifix painting that is disturbing to Griet.

Essay Topic 3

What role does religion play in both dividing and bringing together characters? What role does religion play in creating a plot for Girl with a Pearl Earring?

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