Relationships in Maestro Essay

Maestro Demonstrates that successful relationships are founded on mutual respect

Various forms of relationships exist within the novel Maestro. Peter Goldsworthy demonstrates the many types of relationships that Paul encounters whilst in the process of growing up. The novel, a first person narrative from the protagonist Paul Crabbe, demonstrates that in order for relationships to be successful they must include consideration for one another and some sort of common ground on which both parties align themselves to. Although this is the more common case for the majority of Pauls intimate relationships there is one between Keller and himself that does not follow the standard rules and expectations of a mutual relationship. Maestro illustrates not only the different levels of relationships amongst people but also amongst hobbies. Goldsworthy reveals that although some relationships without mutual respect break down, others continue in association with common interests which help hold the relationship together and in this case flourish into an unforseen caring bond between two characters.

Paul discovers very quickly after moving to Darwin, the types of relationships he wants to form and who he wants to form them with. His ex-friend Bennie Reid taught Paul that sometimes relationships just happen even though Paul did not like the prospect of befriending Bennie largely because of his position in the social hierarchy, he still could not abandon Bennie and be left with nobody. Pauls relationship with Keller is therefore very important to him because although Paul might be at the bottom of the school hierarchy along with Bennie, he is as his parents often remind him, a talented musician. The maestro sees Pauls arrogance for what it is and conversely devises his teaching methods to suit the position at which Paul was at. As this was initially an insult to Paul the relationship started with no mutual respect, Keller having respect for no one in his surroundings treated his student as he would anyone else. Pauls first impressions of Keller are Misleading, of course and that he is a bad teacher because of Kellers patronisation. He criticises Pauls pianist abilities by stating your hands are too large, therefore difficult to control. Despite the disagreements between Keller and Paul about musical conventions and various aspects of piano playing, they still stuck together as Paul needed Keller to be the best which he aspired to be and Keller needed Paul to fill the emotional void that was clearly immanent in his life, painted by his addiction to alcohol and disillusioned scrapbook containing worldwide terror stories. During Pauls rebellious stage he secretly names Keller Adolf, but also practises more than Keller requires him to, Paul proves to be very witty by sending Keller a European snowy Christmas card which he hopes might bring a little coolness into Kellers steamy room suggests his affection for Keller. A shift in the novel of Pauls respect towards Keller is founded through the discovery of Kellers past and his involvement in the Holocoust. Many of Pauls previous accusations and theories are enlightened with the news that Heniesch brings him. Pauls growing acceptance of Kellers assessment of his limited talent leads to disillusionment but eventually he comes to terms of his short comings. During this process, Paul also comes to realise the importance of Keller in his life, and the deep love and respect that has developed over the years.

Like Paul and his music, Keller was unable to respect himself and his achievements. Due to the terrible events in his past, Keller has disassociated himself from his birthplace. Despite the circumstances Keller had faced in Germany he cannot forgive himself. He attempts to alienate himself from all feelings and carries a physical sign of both the love he had for his family, and the guilt that fell upon him when they were taken from him. When Paul plays in the piano competition in Adelaide, Keller accompanies him and thus gives a public performance for the first time since his familys death. He does this for Paul not himself. Kellers need for mutual respect is initially not of high priority to him, Keller being an outsider would rather keep to himself especially considering his losses. Kellers wife and child are constantly on his mind. This can be seen when Paul discovers the extent of Kellers pain when he arrives at the Swan one day to find the maestro playing and singing Wagner. Although it has become second nature to hide his emotion, to dismiss the music as cheap tricks, Paul sees him gazing at the photos that sat on top of his piano. Keller labels Pauls performance an excellent forgery when visiting the Crabbes, and through his story of a painting forgery that was technically better than its predecessor attempts to convey to Paul the value of emotional expression in art. Kellers method of teaching Paul to play parody compositions is another example of Kellers desire for Paul to be an original pianist. When Pauls third-place position at a piano competition drives him to vow to practise more for subsequent competitions, Keller shows insight into Pauls lack of emotional expression when he advices, No. Next time less. He attempts to convey to Paul the fundamental importance of intricate emotional expression in becoming a truly accomplished pianist.

Although the development of the relationship between Paul and Keller, was unique for both individual characters, there were other relationships which were not so successful in their nature. Megan was Pauls first fantasy, his first want for a female fell upon the shoulders of Megan. His dreams led him to believe that he wanted Megan and that he wanted a relationship with her. Paul convinced himself that Megan was the one, and looked for the moment in which they would be together. However when the moment finally arrived the lack of mutual respect amongst the two shattered Pauls desires to be with Megan and realised that they had no true attraction other than to fulfil their sexual desires. This attempt to forge a relationship was instigated by Paul, while others were placed upon Paul such as Bennie and initially Rosie.

Goldsworthys Maestro demonstrates that in order for relationships to be successful they must at any certain point in the relationship consist of mutual respect. Paul Crabbes life is significantly affected by the expectations placed upon him during his earlier years, that is to become a concert pianist. Paul and Keller affection towards one another grew as Paul was able to understand his treacherous past, in which Keller will never be able to forget. Paul experienced two of his most important and intimate relationships form with initial failure and then a progression of respect and conformity towards both Rosie and Keller, the two characters of whom he admired the most in the novel.