The novel "Girl with a Pearl Earring" depicts the hardships that different social classes are faced with. Throughout the novel we are faced with characters of different classes and social status. Most of the characters in the text suffer to an extent, some more than others, but ultimately they undergo some sort of adversity. During 17th Century Holland, being of a higher class did not necessarily mean that you did not suffer.

The Vermeer household illustrates clearly to the reader that a hierarchy exists and rules and conventions make them suffer, even within a domestic environment. Maria Thins is the head of the household, followed closely by Vermeer. Vermeer, painter and provider for the household endures a heavy burden to provide for the family. Vermeer as an artist is highly regarded...