Girl in Hyacinth Blue (Vreeland) - Discussion Questions

Discussion Questions 
1. What does Girl in Hyacinth Blue suggest about the value, both personal and monetary, and the function and purpose of art?  

2. Why would the author structure the novel in reverse chronology? What are the advantages or disadvantages of telling the story this way?  

3. Discuss the different ways in which the painting—the girl—spoke to her numerous owners. Did the men view her differently than the women? Why do they all adore—need—the girl in the painting so much? Does it provide for them something that is missing from their daily lives? Whose life did the painting affect the most?  

4. What does the book have to say about the joys and difficulties of being an artist? On page 204, Vermeer speaks of the "the cost" of his painting to his household. Is it worth it? Why, so often, is an artist's genius recognized only after he or she has died?  

5. Is there a piece of art that affects you in a special way? Elaborate.  

6. Do you think Magdalena should have introduced herself to the couple who bought the painting? Is it better not to know the subject of a painting too closely?  

7. While reading this book, did you imagine your own version of the painting? If so, describe it.  

8. What do you think happened to the painting? Is Cornelius capable of destroying the painting or relinquishing it? Is he a failed human being or is he capable of redemption? Is the pictures rightful place in a museum?  

9. Discuss the range and significance of the last line of the book. 

10. In the end, does it matter whether or not the painting is a Vermeer?
(Questions issued by publisher.)

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