Love in Maestro Essay

'Maestro' by Peter Goldsworthy

Maestro by Peter Goldsworthy: "This is a novel about love in all its forms." What does Paul learn from his various relationships in the novel?

In the novel Maestro by Peter Goldsworthy, the protagonist Paul is educated about love in all its forms from the various relationships he encounters. During his time with Eduard Keller, Paul learns how important honesty and harsh criticism is for achieving or not achieving his goals. From his parent's love, Paul learns that opposites do attract and can live happily ever after. His first experience of lust is with Megan, while he gradually discovers a more enduring and mature love with Rosie.

Throughout the novel Maestro Paul Crabbe manages to find something within the rigid, unhappy character called Herr Eduard Keller. You might even say he came to love the man, but at first Paul dislikes Keller. He had been stewing over the events of that lesson ever since wed left the Swan. Keller considered the boy spoilt, arrogant and over indulged by his parents doting. It was Christmas, 1967, while Paul was visiting Adelaide that we see the first signs of development in Paul and Herr Kellers relationship. Paul receives a card, and a crude bachelor-wrapped parcel from Keller. Pauls mother described it to him as the nearest he can get to saying he misses you. In the 1968 section of the novel we start to read a change in Kellers attitude, but only subtly. That Christmas card and priceless gift had opened a door, a narrow emotional chink. However gruffly he tried to slam it shut I was determined to keep my foot wedged in the crack says Paul, more confident than ever. The gift Keller gave Paul was not only priceless in monetary value, but priceless in that it helped both of them realise they do care for each other. During the Adelaide section of the novel, Paul is entered in a competition. From this we learn that Keller wants Paul to develop a name for himself, he wants Paul to succeed. Paul on the other hand, feels that he needs Keller praise to accomplish his goals. This praise is forever absent throughout his training with Herr Keller. Pauls last visit to Kellers room above the Swan fuels many big changes in their relationship. During their last time together, Keller admits that he does care about Paul. Herr Keller opens up and shares his deepest and darkest secrets with Paul, but Paul is more interested in his awaiting girlfriend. In a selfish frenzy of horniness, Paul leaves Eduard Keller, mid confessional. In late 1977 Paul receives a letter from the Darwin Hospital, seeking information about the next of kin of Eduard Keller. Keller is sick, but In No Pain he was Suffering a Long Illness. Paul returns to the North to visit Keller, his beloved music teacher.