Im not the greatest at English, a rating and contructive critisism will be greatly appreciated
thanks guys
'Maestro is a story of betrayal and cowardice.' Is this how you see the novel?
‘Maestro’ the novel by Peter Goldsworthy, shows the struggle of characters to cope with not only acceptance but life in general. From these elements we are faced with betrayal and cowardice acts set forth by these characters. Goldsworthy’s exploration of the lives of the major protagonists Eduard Keller and Paul Crabbe unveils many hidden agendas and truths that lead to the upbringing of betrayal.
The relationship between the Nazis and Keller brings forth upon the elements of betrayal. Keller’s family’s musical talent was the base of the relationship with the Nazis. Keller and his wife performed many private functions for the Nazis during their growing menace in Europe. Keller’s fame brought him to a state of complacency amongst the Nazis, believing that his Jewish wife and son would be safe from the atrocities. The killing of Keller’s wife and son was an act of betrayal cowardice from the Nazis. This deeply affected Keller over the course of his life. “I knew these people. These murderers. I had signed their concert programmes”
Paul and Keller’s relationship extensively evolves within the novel. Keller’s heartbreak and guilt over the death of his family in which he has ‘great plans’ with continues to run a montage of cinematography in his mind. Keller the lonely figure aspires to find a person to open up and express his feelings and terrible past experiences to ease the burden of guilt he has so long held for. When Keller suddenly begins to tell Paul about his life in Vienna, Paul is too impatient to listen. “Half of me wanted to stay to quiz him further…but half of me wanted to be out of there”. Distracted by thoughts of Rosie half naked waiting below, “I wanted to know more, but at what price? Rosie might be already waiting, parked in the street” he denies Keller an opportunity to alleviate the pain of loss he has carried with him. It is not until Paul matures as a person that he recognizes the scene for what it was. “A confessional, a privilege that I, through selfishness and sensual addiction, failed to accept”
The school band Rough Stuff, formed by the school bullies is a group in which Paul fears early on in the novel. His hate towards them is expressed in degrading language, describes their music “music to shit by”, and shows an understanding of Paul’s hate towards them. Paul’s association with the bullies (Rough Stuff) is used as a provided means of ‘permanent protection in the school yard’. His offering of musical knowledge opens up the acceptance of Paul to the band. Paul’s use of the band as a refuge from being bullied recognizes an act of betrayal towards Bennie, in which he denies to him of his friendship with Rough Stuff.
Cowardly acts of betrayal are key elements that Goldsworthy conveys within the text. Keller’s love for Paul as a surrogate child, explores the many reasons for his teaching not only on the piano but for life in general. Keller’s death unveiled a curtain of maturity of Paul. “Maestro” the calling of Keller after he dies, as Paul acknowledges what a great person and mentor he was that guided him to the realization of his cowardly and betrayal acts.
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