The Miniaturist

The Prologue describes the funeral of an unnamed person watched by an anonymous observer. Discuss how the Prologue sets the tone for the rest of the narrative and introduces its main themes.

The Miniaturist traces the coming-of-age of its protagonist, Nella. How does Nella define womanhood at the beginning of the novel? How have her ideas changed by its conclusion?

Nella observes that her husband and sister-in-law are “obsessed with souls and purses” (31). What makes her come to this conclusion? How does Nella’s assessment of Johannes and Marin sum up the conflicting values of 17th-century Amsterdam?