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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. What did Vermeer leave to Griet in his will?

2. What was the color of the second piece of fabric for Griet's hair?

3. What did Griet's mother serve at dinner after church?

4. Who beat Cornelia?

5. What event was Vermeer emotionally torn about?

Short Essay Questions

1. What did Cornelia do with the tortoise shell combs?

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

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

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

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

6. Why did Catharina seem to fear Griet?

7. How did Pieter become impatient with Griet?

8. What advice did Leeuwenhoek give to Griet?

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

10. Does Griet love Pieter?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is Griet's first impression of the Vermeers? How does the couple live up to Griet's expectation? How does Griet's first impression differ from the reader's? What are the reasons for these differences?

Essay Topic 2

Describe the historical context of Girl with a Pearl Earring. How does the historical context cause Griet to differ as a character from a modern novel?

Essay Topic 3

How does Griet break free from her family? Does she want to break free from her family? What event or action is most symbolic of Griet's separation from her family?

(see the answer keys)

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