View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Catharina was willing to sell out the fidelity in her marriage for ___________.

2. Where did Griet and Peter first kiss?

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

4. What does Griet vow to do with the final coins from selling the earrings?

5. What is the name of the child who recognizes Griet from the painting?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What metaphorical ownership did Vermeer take over Griet?

3. How did Vermeer treat Griet differently after he saw her hair?

4. Was Griet's mother a hypocrite for standing up to the paintings but not to selling out her daughter to marriage?

5. What is the significance behind the names of Griet's children?

6. What conflict did Vermeer's religion create for Griet's family?

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

8. Why was Catharina suddenly wary of locking Griet in the studio with her jewelry?

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

10. Why did Griet keep her hair hidden?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Who are the victims in Girl with a Pearl Earring? How might both Griet and Catharina fit into this role?

Essay Topic 3

Describe the role of the theme of competition in Girl with a Pearl Earring.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 785 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample