ENGLISH – LEVEL 3
90721 Respond critically to written text(s) studied
Question
A novel usually depicts the journey of a character or characters. To what extent do you agree
with this view? Your response should include close reference to a novel (or novels) you have
studied.
Text Type:
Novel
Film Title:
MAESTRO
Author(s)/website(s):
PETER GOLDSWORTHY
There is a wide range of journeys in the novel of Maestro by Peter Goldsworthy that include a
wide range of characters. Though by far the most extensive is the journey of Paul Crabbe, the
main character of Maestro who holds the potential to become a great pianist. Goldsworthy
depicts Paul’s road to fame as a journey of discovery and self realisation. With this he also
weaves the journey of Paul growing up as a rites of passage structure. Resulting in these
journeys being quite essential to the success of this novel.
Paul’s journey to becoming a world class pianist begins in a humble fashion with is father
having had unfulfilled dreams of attaining greatness as a pianist, he places much of his desire
of this upon Paul encouraging and guiding him. Though his father lacks the means of teaching
Paul further and therefore arranges for Paul to be tutored by a professional. It is from this point
on that the journey of Paul’s musical career truly comes into light. When Paul first meets Keller
he is young, smug and very superficial in his judgements. For he sees Keller as just another
teacher such a student as himself. This interpretation could not be further from the truth as we
are warned by the intro “First impressions?”, the question mark leaving doubt in our minds
about the judgements made. This is emphasised by how Paul is treated by Keller, expecting to
marvel Keller with his talent he is swept away when Keller says he doesn’t need to play for “I
have heard hands like this before”. Paul soon realises his inaccurate first impressions of Keller
and sees that there is more to him than face value. With Keller’s guidance Paul’s musical ability
begins to improve greatly and show great promise. His journey continues further as he enters
various competitions around Australia and claims may titles though for all this he is not content
for in his mind the real test of his talent lies in the music halls of Vienna. His choice to travel to
Vienna proves to be both a test of his talent and the turning point of his journey. For in this city
of music and sophistication he realises after many failures at winning and being recognised, the
true extent and short comings of his talent. With this realisation comes the reality that his
journey to greatness is at an end and his dreams will never be attained. In this way,
Goldsworthy created a journey which was pivotal in the novel of “maestro”.
With this is the journey of Paul going from childhood through adolescence to adulthood. For the
way in which Goldsworthy depicts this is through Paul’s maturing and interactions wit the other
characters. In this we see how Paul interprets others seeing many as being inferior to himself.
Keller, his teacher who is lucky to be able to each such a talent as he posses, Keller, the
fugitive Nazi war criminal, Keller, the drunk. All descriptions that Goldsworthy was depict the
smug young Paul that cannot see past the superficial. This is also evident in his lust for Megan,
the cumulus of curls, the nape of her neck, all are based upon the superficial misinterpretations
of Paul. Though these are important for it is from his experiences and realisations with both
Keller and Megan that he matures past childhood and into adulthood. For Keller soon comes to
light as the great Maestro he is and his importance to Paul as not only a teacher but also a
close friend. With Megan he develops an intimate relationship with though is disappointed in
what she truly is and with this leaves behind his superficial childhood mind and matures. With
this he notices another girl who he begins to love not only physically but emotionally and with
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this enters the adult frame of mind. In my mind, Goldsworthy did well in his choice to depict Paul
growing up in this fashion and presented it well as a journey.
In both aspects the journey is very important to the novel. Paul’s journey of musical discovery
and self realisation is pivotal in being one of the foundations for the novel and in partnership
with the journey of growing up became key to the flow and progression of Goldsworthy’s novel,
“Maestro”.
Overall Level of Performance: ACHIEVEMENT WITH EXCELLENCE
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