The Relationship Between Maria Thins and Griet Essay Example

was also kind to Griet. For example, she kept one of Griet's biggest secrets, assisting Vermeer with his paintings by grinding the paint. She also knows that Griet is posing for one of those paintings, something that Catharina, Vermeer's wife, could never know about. "You help him to paint faster, girl," she (Maria Thins) said in a low voice, "and you'll keep your place here. Not a word to my daughter or Tanneke, now." (page 110) Griet learns that for the most part, Maria Thins is a trustworthy person that can keep a secret if it is for the greater good.

In the beginning, Maria Thins is suspicious of Griet. Griet, on the other hand, is wary of Maria. They are both very aware of one another and both seem to have trust issues. Maria is always keeping a sharp eye out for trouble. Griet is quite intent on not making a mistake, especially in front of Maria; she is unsure of the consequences that may end up resulting from her actions. But they both learn to trust one another after getting to know the other's ways. Griet trusts that Maria will not give away her secrets. Maria knows that she can trust Griet to do her job and that she will do it properly as well.

The relationship of Maria Thins and Griet is like a see-saw. They both experience their highs and lows with one another. Maria begins with having a low tolerance of Griet and therefore feels that she is untrustworthy and needs to be watched over. But she learns to trust Griet. She even helps her out of a

few sticky situations. When Griet first meets Maria, she knows that she is to be feared and soon learns to be cautious around Maria. Although, she does earn respect from Maria and her trust, a rare thing. She learns to stay on her good side by learning from previous mistakes. But those are what keep her inward fear of Maria alive. All of these things make for a very difficult, yet somewhat simple to understand relationship.