49. “The novel reveals the power of music to grasp, shape and develop lives” Do you agree?
Peter Goldsworthy, employs music as the central thread throughout his novel Maestro , using it to bind and connect all the characters presented. The significance of music is great as it develops the lives of the characters, determining what they become and their personality.
Goldsworthy shows music to be an integral element of the life of the entire Crabbe family as it their love, their recluse and their passion. Paul states that “music was another glue” which bound his family, especially his parents, together, highlighting the emphasis on music in the Crabbe family. Paul’s extensive music background and highly developed piano skill show that music has been constant throughout his life, and is obviously very important to him. As the novel progresses, we, as the readers begin to realise such how prominent a role music plays in the Crabbe family, as they were “more interested in making music than money”. Goldsworthy employs sound imagery to create the idea of chronic music, as Paul describes “the sound Mozart” that “began to flow from the front room”. The image of Paul’s father playing a “tranquil river” immediately after he “violently” seized Paul to the extent that “Buttons popped. A wine glass cart wheeled across the table” shows that music is a pacifier for the Crabbe family, creating a soothing and tranquil atmosphere as they are able to pour out their emotion into their true passion. The significance of music in their lives is further emphasised as Paul explains that “Friday night was ‘soiree’ night”, the fact that the Crabbe’s have a particular night dedicated to the performance of music shows their love for it, as it shapes and takes priority in their lives. This idea is accentuated by John’s description that “medicine was his wife, music his mistress.” The “Gilbert and Sullivan” night which “came first”, is yet another example of the importance of music in the Crabbe household. This event shows the happiness music brings the family as after the performance Nancy entered an “untouchable trance, a deep satisfaction” as John suddenly become “in his element”, as the music revealed “some frivolous, joyous core.” John’s order that Paul will be “much much better’ than him, and their strong desire for Paul to become a concert pianist, reinforces their love for music, and the fact that they value it far more highly than their careers. The emphasis on music in the Crabbe family is huge as Goldsworthy positions us to see the piano as the “engine room” of the family, linking, connecting and drawing them together.
Music is used as a refuge by both Paul and Keller as they struggle in their environments. Paul’s reflections of himself being “skinny, unatheletic and irredeemably smug” position us to view him as somebody who is not particularly likeable and would not have been hugely accepted at high school. He reminisces that the place “should have been hell on earth.” Goldsworthy shows in a literal sense how music can protect us, as Paul describes that the music room became my refuge”, saving him from the “state of the art delinquency” of Darwin high. This refuge like image can be compared to the refuge that the piano provided Keller as he survived Cyclone Tracy by “sheltering beneath his grand piano.” Music is also used to bind and develop vital relationships for Paul. Music unites Paul with Rosie, who makes him feel “Arrogant. Invulnerable.” We see the importance of Rosie in the life of Paul as he describes that “like twins we knew each other’s hearts.” Paul’s relationship with Rosie, sparked by music, is integral in Paul’s development as he loved her which he describes as “no small achievement”. Music also allows Paul to fit in as his ability in music prompts acceptance by the popular trio at Darwin High. His knowledge in music proved to be “the universal common language” which provided him with “permanent protection in the school yard”. We see how music helps Paul to develop significant relationships and also provides him with a place of comfort and refuge.
Music is used to develop the vital relationship between Keller and Paul, around which the novel focuses. This relationship is vital in order for the characters to grown and development as they both teach each other vital life lessons, and help each other to survive. Keller is arguably Paul’s most significant mentor as he tells Keller that “You’ve been like a father to me”. This touching and affectionate statement shows the huge impact that Keller has had on Paul’s life, not only musically but also generally – teaching him about respect, integrity and the importance of substance. We learn that through music lessons can be learnt,. As it is through music Paul develops an understanding of the horror that Keller went through and the immense pain he suffer. Goldsworthy presents us with a poignant image of Keller as “the walls of his room disintegrated around him..safe beneath grand piano”. This implies that music can be used as a shelter from the horrors of the world, covering and protecting us. However, we also see through Keller, that music can be used as a refuge in the wrong way, destroying everything around it. Music caused Keller great pain as he wrongly believed that it could save and protect his family, implying that what appears to be a shelter and protector can in fact be a deceiver. We see how music destroys Keller’s world, providing him with anguish and pain, whilst it, through the relationship between Paul and Keller, saves Paul’s world, as Keller shows him the importance of self-forgiveness. Essentially music develops this vital relationship between Paul and Keller and it unites them, providing them with a common interest and language.
Goldsworthy uses music as a vehicle to express emotion, solace, comfort and protection, whilst also using it to show the dangers of beauty. Music, described as a “sticky glue” binds the characters in Maestro together providing them with a “universal language” and a common goal. Acting as a central thread, music weaves through the novel , showing its absolute power in shaping and determining the outcome of the lives of the characters.
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