I have no idea how to moderate a book club blog discussion. So I'll wing it with questions I collected online! Please contribute and participate or my self-esteem will plummet.
1. What is your first impression of Johannes Vermeer? Did this change throughout the book?
2. Did anything in the book make you uncomfortable? If so, why? Did the uncomfortable-ness add to or take away from the novel?
3. Why did Griet feel so torn between her new life and old life? What did she enjoy about her new life in Vermeer's household? What did she miss about her old life?
4. Do you think Vermeer truly cared about Griet, or was he only concerned with the painting? Were his feelings toward her defined by passion, love, lust, paternal instincts, camaraderie? What about her feelings toward him?
5. In many ways, the primary relationship in this novel appears to be between Griet and Vermeer. Do you think this is true? How do you feel about Vermeer's relationship with his wife? How does that come into play?
6. Why was Catharina so upset by the painting? Do you think Vermeer betrayed his wife? Did he love her? What was the nature of their relationship?
7. Maria Thins obviously understood Vermeer's art more than his wife did. Why do you think this was the case? Do you think she shared Griet's talents?
8.Why did Griet hide her hair? Why did she feel so revealed once Vermeer saw her hair, that "it no longer mattered what I did and did not do?"
9. Rate Girl with a Pearl Earring on a scale of 1 to 5.
No need to answer all (or even any!) of these- they are just to get everyone thinking about what we're reading. If you do feel strongly about any of them, please comment. If you have a question about the book or just an observation, COMMENT (I know you're not shy)! Before our next meeting I'll go ahead and print out the blog and comments so we have a springboard for discussion.
6 comments:
The uncomfortable question. Yes, there were moments that I was uncomfortable. Like when van Ruijven kept trying to "touch" Griet. I was anxious and fearing that he might rape her before the book ended. The uncomfortable-ness (for me) added to the book. It kept me on my toes looking out for Griet....
That made me uncomfortable, too! I was also super uncomfortable with Cornelia. I was scared she would succeed in ruining Griet. I agree that the situations added to the book- I HAD to find out how it ended!
What is your first impression of Johannes Vermeer? Did this change throughout the book?
At first I was super intrigued by him. I thought he saw how special Griet was and I liked him for that. Towards the end I really hated him. He knew he had power over Griet and he totally abused it. He was such a weenie when it came to his wife, too!
#4 - Okay, I'll preface by saying it's been several months since I read. I plan to reread, but I think the fact that I can still remember and ponder so much of the book shows the impression it leaves.
On to the question - I sorta feel like Vermeer's feelings toward Griet are his feelings toward his art. Like she personifies it until he is through with that work and with her. I think he is married to his work, and since his wife doesn't contribute to it, she really doesn't figure into his life at all. Pisses her right off. She's jealous of the work and anyone who can attract Vermeer's attention. He's completely self-absorbed.
I actually have a Vermeer print that I can bring to the meeting if someone reminds me. It is not of the Girl with the Pearl Earring, but you can see how his working conditions show in the art. You know, all that not-moving-even-the-folds-of-the-tablecloth stuff.
And I give the book a 4.
Jenn- I totally agree with you about how Vermeer feels about Griet. Like painting her is his own perversion- like a normal guy with sex...and as soon as he's done the chase is over and he's moved on to the next. I can't wait to talk about this book next week- I love it!
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