Maestro by Peter Goldsworthy follows the life of Paul Crabbe through his struggles and successes of growing up. In learning about Herr Keller’s haunting past Paul discovers more about himself in the process. This essay will explore how Keller’s experiences in life affect and influence but also inhibit Pauls growth, this will be explored by analysing the prescribed text Maestro and related text “I Remember When I Was Young” by Matt Taylor.
Upon moving to Darwin Paul experiences a new side to life that he couldn’t of found in Adelaide. The juxtaposition of the two cities intends to show two different sides to Paul, one of his childhood and another to his developing character. A major experience in moving to Darwin was the meeting of Herr Keller, “First impressions? Misleading, of course.” The first meeting of Keller led to Paul’s immature response to implement Keller as being a “Nazi”. The intertextuality of “Nazi” describes Keller’s attitude and chosen exile from others while also alluding to …show more content…
Pauls approach towards Keller is arrogant, blatantly pushing him further for information; he is annoyingly persistent in trying to discovering more about the mysterious maestro. “My interest had only grown”. Pauls last day in Darwin is concluded by being invited by Keller for a drink. His acceptance for Paul was symbolised by the table and chair bought for that moment with Paul. But his sexual desire for Rosie blinded Paul to the confession “only now can I recognise the scene for what it was: a confessional, a privilege that I, through selfishness and sensual addiction, failed to accept”. The metaphor of describing such a scene as a confessional alluded to the seriousness and depressing nature of Keller’s past, as something that should only be shared in confidence. The depressing scene was also juxtaposed against the beginning of adulthood for Paul and his sensual relationship with