HI girls,
Sorry I missed our class on Tuesday, but I'll try to mark the practice SACs and get them to you by lesson 3 tomorrow. On Thursday I am taking some girls to a public speaking comp, so won't be there. I hope soneone is there to mark the roll and give you the work. Just in case, I want you to complete the context tests on the concert and the ending of the novel. They are on the blog and will be sent to class as a hard copy. Answers should be put in my pigeonhole.
SAC notes are due by Tuesday at the latest.
See you on Monday. We'll look at your responses on the blog and discuss those 'big' questions about the text.
Cheers
Ms Chapman
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Monday, May 25, 2009
Note the reference to the setting of Darwin throughout the novel. What is the significance of the setting Goldsworthy has chosen?
“A town populated by men who had run as far as they could flee.” Pg. 17
“’Movie set architecture,’ he murmured. ‘Ornamental facades. Hiding the hypocrisy within...’” pg. 45
“’We must be on our guard against beauty always. Never trust the beautiful.’” Pg. 50
For Paul Darwin is a place of sensuality. This is very important as, at 15 years old, Paul is at a stage in his life where he is slowly entering the adult world and is developing feelings of sensuality. These feelings can be portrayed through the extreme and varying temperatures, which can be viewed as exotic and disordered. In this way, we can also see where Paul is as a character. As the exoticness of the climate relates to Paul’s sensual feelings, its sense of chaos can portray Paul’s confusion in being a teenager, his irresponsibility and his unconcern for the future. Through this and
“I loved the town of booze and blow at first sight. And above all its smell” those hot, steamy perfumes that wrapped about me...moist, compost air. Sweat – and – sour air...” pg. 9
“Everything grew larger than life in the steamy hothouse of
“The reckless confidence of lust had taken hold of me.” Pg. 70
“Never again will time move as slowly as it did then, and never again would there be so much to be discovered, to be touched and tasted for the first time.” Pg. 149
“And thus, while I listened, the future became the present, unchallenged; and all too soon the regretted past.” Pg. 114
“Cartoon descriptions? How else to describe a cartoon world?” pg. 11
The climate and temperature variances of
“My parents had eased slowly into the town’s social life. With the coming of the Dry...this accelerated.” pg. 28
“The Dry had somehow made him more sociable, more democratic.”
“a month the locals like to speak of – with a kind of odd, perverse pride – as the Suicide month.” Pg. 48
Adelaide can be seen as a link to understanding the themes and issues expressed in Darwin, in much the same way as not being able to see what’s right in front of you or only being able to understand something from a distance.
To Paul,
“And then we were through the desert and into the temperate wheat country, passing through the mid-north towns in which I had once lived – centuries ago, in an earlier life, it now seemed.” Pg. 53
“The City meant Television, of course – but there were other joys that still remain in my mind in a sort of mental upper-case, and usually preceded by the definite article, as benefits magical things.”
“’At a distance. Carelessly. As if it meant nothing.’” Pg. 56
“Bored – finally – with daytime Television…I began visiting libraries, searching for evidence of Keller’s earlier life.”
“The names of those books remain deeply branded in my memory, important not so much for what was in them as for what was behind them.” Pg. 57
Through Paul’s experience in playing with the band, he finally understands who he is in terms of music. It is also through the competition in
“But the artistic direction of the band had passed out of my hands somewhere between
“Even then I couldn’t help seeing it in those terms: music to Shit By.” Pg. 91
“It was only now that I realised he had not drunk at all in
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PAUL AND KELLER
The relationship between Paul and Keller, segmented in 3 parts: part 1 (up to page 50), part 2 (from intermezzo pg.50 - Adelaide) and part 3 (Adelaide pg. 95 - onwards)...
Darwin, 1967
-Page oneà “First impressions? Misleading of course. But unforgettable...” At first, Paul viewed Keller as a “boozer with cheap ruined skin”. This is very sterotypic al of Paul especially when you compare this to the description he gives on page 144.
-Page fourà “Had he spruced up especially to meet me? I was childish enough- self centred enough to think it likely. This reflects Paul’s initial high self-confidence. As an adult, Paul highlights how he rocognises that he was arrogant at that age.
- Page sixà “He immediately began to explain, in language i thought simple and patronising.” The use of “thought” shows that this was a first impression and that overtime Keller proves that this description is wrong.
-Page nineà “ I didnt believe a word Keller had said”. This shows the distance in Keller and Pauls relationship at the begining. It also emphasises how naive Paul is at the begining as he finds it hard for him to believe Keller, highlighting that Paul dosent trust Keller yet.
- Page 12-13à “I want to go home” “You are free to leave my home.. but you are not free to play in my home without my permission.” This reflects the childish, arrogant and immature nature of the 15 year old Paul.
- Page 13à Paul refers to Keller as a “nazi” and later on page 18 as“Adolf Keller” This exposes Pauls ignorance.
-Keller is somewhat intraverted and relcutant to open up and express emotion even in his piano playing.
- Page 13à “ I came to love the man, to depend on him. At the time (and again now, reliving that time) it seemes- seems-impossible.”- Older Paul admits to the initial strong differences between him and Keller.
-Page 18à “my eyes often strayed to a poser tacked to teh wall above his bed.” This highlights how Paul was curious about Keller right from the begining until the end.
-Page 19à “He talks. I listen.” By intalisizing the “he”, Peter Goldsworthy highlights that keller is in control.
- Page 27à Again, Keller shows he is incontrol when he tells Paul “I will teach you the music”.
-Page 31à keller’s interest in teching Paul is reflected as Paul says “ His recall of where we had left off the last week was always total.”
- Paul refers to Keller as maestro in the beginning.
-Page 23à Paul’s gradual admiration of Keller is obvious here as he says “I might acknowlegde his wave curtly: a minimal response”. The use of “might” highlights that paul dosent want to respect Keller at the begining.
- Page 31à I would play till my hands ached and he lifted them from the keyboard and chided me gently: “ We must know when to move on. To search too long for perfection can also paralyse.” This highlights kellers humanity towards Paul. Pauld egar to not on play well but to impress Keller.
- Page 35à Paul shows he cares for keller when he states“One voice was always missing from teh chorus of praise: my teacher’s/ For this i blamed the instrument he allowed me to play”. Would Paul be upset if he didnt care for Keller?
- Page 37à Paul gains respect and appreciation for Keller (“ I had never called him Adolf to his face. Now, even behind his back, the title “Maestro” seemed somehow natural”. The term maestro is a term of great respect and for Paul to refer to him as “maestro” shows his growing admiration for Keller.
-Page 38à Keller begins to open up to Paul a little bit, “My sons name was Eric. My wife Mathilde.” Keller is begining to feel comfortable around Paul to share his past even if he dosent give much away.
-Page 42à Paul relaises he wants to become “centre stage”. He begins to listen to Keller/ “If Keller asked for two bach figures each week, I prepared three. If he require three hours practice i played four..” Paul begins to want to impress Keller/ he wants keller to praise his work.
Page 43àKeller accecpts his first dinner offer. Paul recieved an A+ and Keller tells him he is to “self satisfied.” Keller sees promise in Paul bu dpsent want to feed his ego. Paul wants Keller to admire his work but Keller just puts him in his place.
Page 48à “ I was able to tell myself i was finall begining to gain some sort of understanding of teh man”. Paul admits that he is beginnging to understadn teh man Keller is. This contrasts his initial statement on page nine.
Intermezzo
Paul goes away for the Christmas break. Keller sends him a gift of a signed first edition of Czerny, the opus 599 studies. Keller is only able to send the gift “At a distance, carelessly. As if it meant nothing” (pg 54). Keller shows his affection for Paul, but is unable to say it outright. Pauls mother describes it as “The closest he can get to saying he misses you”
1968
“His attitude had changed subtly” after he sends him the Christmas gift. Keller tries to close Paul off again but Paul is “Determined to keep [his] foot wedged in the crack” (pg 64). He pushes Keller to talk about Vienna but is only able to discover little bits and pieces
On pg 65 Keller becomes “willing to share other thoughts” however any information about Vienna “remained a closed booklet.” He shared what he read in his newspapers and this satisfied Paul’s inquisitiveness for the time being.
Pg 66. Keller gives Paul his textbook of the world’s stupidity. He is trying to get Paul to realise that.
Pg 79. Paul begins to talk like Keller “First the forefinger” whilst teaching Rosie how to Play. This shows some admiration for Keller. He begins to become like Keller and remembers his teachings. While observing Rosie’s hands Paul is non judgemental as “Keller’s delicately podgy hands had taught me the shallowness of such judgements” .
Paul begins to know Keller a little better and tries to push his to answer why he didn’t leave Vienna. Keller describes himself as “too insensitive” (pg 86)
The relationship between Keller and Paul
FROM ADELAIDE...
Pages 95-end
Page 95 – Paul questions Keller on whether he thinks that he is good enough to play in Adelaide... ‘do you think i should play?’ (p.95) and ‘do you think I’m good enough?’ (p.96). Paul is trying to evoke a response from Keller, to gain his true opinion to see if Keller believes he is truly good enough. This is emphasised by the italicised ‘you’ in each question. Keller leaves Paul to make his own decision of whether he thinks he should go. This shows that Keller cares about Paul but wants him to push himself rather than being told what to do.
Page 97 – Keller considers accompanying Paul on his trip to Adelaide. Keller wants Paul to impress the judges and presents Paul with a new piece to play – a demonstration of his love for him. Keller plays a piece from memory and performs for Paul, ‘Certainly I had never been allowed this: a complete performance, uninterrupted, that lifted me onto my feet, exulting... I stood at his shoulder, shifting from foot to foot, overcome, bursting inside with song’. Keller ends his performance and says, ‘Terrible.’ – Keller plays with emotion, which is a very rare occasion, displaying his sense of love and comfort with Paul, even if he punishes himself by evoking the memories of his past.
Page 99 – Keller agrees to travel with Paul to Adelaide, ‘It is necessary.’ Keller attempts to make an excuse to come, claiming that he must accompany him, although Paul knows that Keller is coming out of love and care. Keller’s emotional barrier is still evident, trying to suppress his love for Paul, but Paul can see through it. ‘The wall was still there – the pretence that my incompetence, or someone else’s, was to blame for the fact he must travel south with me. But i didn’t for a moment believe him.’
Page 100 – Paul is still intrigued by Keller and the story of his past. Paul is now coming to realise the reasoning behind Keller’s emotionless facade and of his choice to live in Darwin. ‘Also a clue that his contempt for teaching music to me was just another charade... His contempt was fuelled by feelings far more complicated and contradictory than i had thought... His exile was chosen, not forced upon him.’ Evidence that Keller is punishing himself for what happened in his past, and also a turning point where Paul begins to understand him.
Page 102-103 – Keller devotes his time to Paul and teaches him everything he knows – another example of Keller’s love for Paul. Paul analyses everything Keller does. On page 103, Keller doesn’t want to get between Paul and his family, he is afraid of becoming too close, ‘I am too much between you.’
Page 105 – Paul is more concerned about playing with Keller than with his band. A sign of respect and care for Keller.
Page 107 – Keller attempts to bond with Paul as he speaks about his band, again educating him with his cryptic messages. ‘Every fish has it’s depth’. Keller wants to warn Paul and give him life lessons, as if Paul were his own son.
Darwin, 1967
-Page oneà “First impressions? Misleading of course. But unforgettable...” At first, Paul viewed Keller as a “boozer with cheap ruined skin”. This is very sterotypic al of Paul especially when you compare this to the description he gives on page 144.
-Page fourà “Had he spruced up especially to meet me? I was childish enough- self centred enough to think it likely. This reflects Paul’s initial high self-confidence. As an adult, Paul highlights how he rocognises that he was arrogant at that age.
- Page sixà “He immediately began to explain, in language i thought simple and patronising.” The use of “thought” shows that this was a first impression and that overtime Keller proves that this description is wrong.
-Page nineà “ I didnt believe a word Keller had said”. This shows the distance in Keller and Pauls relationship at the begining. It also emphasises how naive Paul is at the begining as he finds it hard for him to believe Keller, highlighting that Paul dosent trust Keller yet.
- Page 12-13à “I want to go home” “You are free to leave my home.. but you are not free to play in my home without my permission.” This reflects the childish, arrogant and immature nature of the 15 year old Paul.
- Page 13à Paul refers to Keller as a “nazi” and later on page 18 as“Adolf Keller” This exposes Pauls ignorance.
-Keller is somewhat intraverted and relcutant to open up and express emotion even in his piano playing.
- Page 13à “ I came to love the man, to depend on him. At the time (and again now, reliving that time) it seemes- seems-impossible.”- Older Paul admits to the initial strong differences between him and Keller.
-Page 18à “my eyes often strayed to a poser tacked to teh wall above his bed.” This highlights how Paul was curious about Keller right from the begining until the end.
-Page 19à “He talks. I listen.” By intalisizing the “he”, Peter Goldsworthy highlights that keller is in control.
- Page 27à Again, Keller shows he is incontrol when he tells Paul “I will teach you the music”.
-Page 31à keller’s interest in teching Paul is reflected as Paul says “ His recall of where we had left off the last week was always total.”
- Paul refers to Keller as maestro in the beginning.
-Page 23à Paul’s gradual admiration of Keller is obvious here as he says “I might acknowlegde his wave curtly: a minimal response”. The use of “might” highlights that paul dosent want to respect Keller at the begining.
- Page 31à I would play till my hands ached and he lifted them from the keyboard and chided me gently: “ We must know when to move on. To search too long for perfection can also paralyse.” This highlights kellers humanity towards Paul. Pauld egar to not on play well but to impress Keller.
- Page 35à Paul shows he cares for keller when he states“One voice was always missing from teh chorus of praise: my teacher’s/ For this i blamed the instrument he allowed me to play”. Would Paul be upset if he didnt care for Keller?
- Page 37à Paul gains respect and appreciation for Keller (“ I had never called him Adolf to his face. Now, even behind his back, the title “Maestro” seemed somehow natural”. The term maestro is a term of great respect and for Paul to refer to him as “maestro” shows his growing admiration for Keller.
-Page 38à Keller begins to open up to Paul a little bit, “My sons name was Eric. My wife Mathilde.” Keller is begining to feel comfortable around Paul to share his past even if he dosent give much away.
-Page 42à Paul relaises he wants to become “centre stage”. He begins to listen to Keller/ “If Keller asked for two bach figures each week, I prepared three. If he require three hours practice i played four..” Paul begins to want to impress Keller/ he wants keller to praise his work.
Page 43àKeller accecpts his first dinner offer. Paul recieved an A+ and Keller tells him he is to “self satisfied.” Keller sees promise in Paul bu dpsent want to feed his ego. Paul wants Keller to admire his work but Keller just puts him in his place.
Page 48à “ I was able to tell myself i was finall begining to gain some sort of understanding of teh man”. Paul admits that he is beginnging to understadn teh man Keller is. This contrasts his initial statement on page nine.
Intermezzo
Paul goes away for the Christmas break. Keller sends him a gift of a signed first edition of Czerny, the opus 599 studies. Keller is only able to send the gift “At a distance, carelessly. As if it meant nothing” (pg 54). Keller shows his affection for Paul, but is unable to say it outright. Pauls mother describes it as “The closest he can get to saying he misses you”
1968
“His attitude had changed subtly” after he sends him the Christmas gift. Keller tries to close Paul off again but Paul is “Determined to keep [his] foot wedged in the crack” (pg 64). He pushes Keller to talk about Vienna but is only able to discover little bits and pieces
On pg 65 Keller becomes “willing to share other thoughts” however any information about Vienna “remained a closed booklet.” He shared what he read in his newspapers and this satisfied Paul’s inquisitiveness for the time being.
Pg 66. Keller gives Paul his textbook of the world’s stupidity. He is trying to get Paul to realise that.
Pg 79. Paul begins to talk like Keller “First the forefinger” whilst teaching Rosie how to Play. This shows some admiration for Keller. He begins to become like Keller and remembers his teachings. While observing Rosie’s hands Paul is non judgemental as “Keller’s delicately podgy hands had taught me the shallowness of such judgements” .
Paul begins to know Keller a little better and tries to push his to answer why he didn’t leave Vienna. Keller describes himself as “too insensitive” (pg 86)
The relationship between Keller and Paul
FROM ADELAIDE...
Pages 95-end
Page 95 – Paul questions Keller on whether he thinks that he is good enough to play in Adelaide... ‘do you think i should play?’ (p.95) and ‘do you think I’m good enough?’ (p.96). Paul is trying to evoke a response from Keller, to gain his true opinion to see if Keller believes he is truly good enough. This is emphasised by the italicised ‘you’ in each question. Keller leaves Paul to make his own decision of whether he thinks he should go. This shows that Keller cares about Paul but wants him to push himself rather than being told what to do.
Page 97 – Keller considers accompanying Paul on his trip to Adelaide. Keller wants Paul to impress the judges and presents Paul with a new piece to play – a demonstration of his love for him. Keller plays a piece from memory and performs for Paul, ‘Certainly I had never been allowed this: a complete performance, uninterrupted, that lifted me onto my feet, exulting... I stood at his shoulder, shifting from foot to foot, overcome, bursting inside with song’. Keller ends his performance and says, ‘Terrible.’ – Keller plays with emotion, which is a very rare occasion, displaying his sense of love and comfort with Paul, even if he punishes himself by evoking the memories of his past.
Page 99 – Keller agrees to travel with Paul to Adelaide, ‘It is necessary.’ Keller attempts to make an excuse to come, claiming that he must accompany him, although Paul knows that Keller is coming out of love and care. Keller’s emotional barrier is still evident, trying to suppress his love for Paul, but Paul can see through it. ‘The wall was still there – the pretence that my incompetence, or someone else’s, was to blame for the fact he must travel south with me. But i didn’t for a moment believe him.’
Page 100 – Paul is still intrigued by Keller and the story of his past. Paul is now coming to realise the reasoning behind Keller’s emotionless facade and of his choice to live in Darwin. ‘Also a clue that his contempt for teaching music to me was just another charade... His contempt was fuelled by feelings far more complicated and contradictory than i had thought... His exile was chosen, not forced upon him.’ Evidence that Keller is punishing himself for what happened in his past, and also a turning point where Paul begins to understand him.
Page 102-103 – Keller devotes his time to Paul and teaches him everything he knows – another example of Keller’s love for Paul. Paul analyses everything Keller does. On page 103, Keller doesn’t want to get between Paul and his family, he is afraid of becoming too close, ‘I am too much between you.’
Page 105 – Paul is more concerned about playing with Keller than with his band. A sign of respect and care for Keller.
Page 107 – Keller attempts to bond with Paul as he speaks about his band, again educating him with his cryptic messages. ‘Every fish has it’s depth’. Keller wants to warn Paul and give him life lessons, as if Paul were his own son.
7. Is keller a good teach or a bad teacher? What did he teach Paul? What did he fail to teach him and why? did he teach him about life?
Bad Teacher
· Keller thought Paul’s ego would grow if he showed him encouragement and praise if he played successfully.
· Paul could then not please himself because he thought he only played to a recurring standard which was good but not good enough. E.g.; honourable mention had become the story of my life, no matter how much I practised. I had found my level, my performances frozen into a recurring pattern of Also Rans." Page 128
Good teacher
What did he teach Paul?
On Page 12, we see lessons which Keller teaches Paul such as:
· “First, you must learn to listen”. Keller thinks Paul is spoilt, because Paul thinks that since Paul’s parents are paying him he should get what he wants the way he wants.
· “You are free to leave my home”, he answered. “At any time. But you are not free to play in my home without my permission”. This shows Paul the discipline and importance of authority. You may get what you want, but you need your manners and ask permission.
· Paul perceives Keller as always trying to punish him with making him work so hard. “It seemed Keller was determined to punish me-or-himself- for his excesses of Christmas gift-giving: lessons now lasted up to three hours, filled with scales, arpeggios, and the inevitable studies.”Page 64. Paul works hard to do well, Keller may seem as if he is “Punishing” Paul but he is “Punishing” himself because of the blame he puts on himself for the death of his family. He sees the love Paul has for music and knows that feeling and wants him to succeed in something he has so much love for.
What did he fail to teach him and why?
· Paul suppressed his ability, his personal perfection, because Keller never encouraged him enough to be first, but second-rate perfection maybe even third, but never first. Musical perfection was something which Paul could never reach; his ability was only able to touch technical perfection. “ But a second-rate perfection is all i have any hope of attaining: technical perfection, not musical perfection. Therefore, better second-rate than third." Page 148
· Due to Keller’s past experience’s Paul was not taught the romantic and passionate side of music, he failed to teach him how to play the Piano with passion and he was never able to learn or attempt romantic music, because this brought back past experiences of the war and his wife. Keller’s wife sang Wagner to the German Nazi’s who loved Wagner, but then was killed. “And to think she was a Wagner specialist.” My father said. Page 58
· Paul feels as if Keller was never taught anything by Keller. “He didn’t teach me a thing” Page 30.
Did he teach him about life?
· Keller taught Paul to ignore the judgements made by others, through his newspaper he shows him the superficial, fake.
· Keller thought Paul’s ego would grow if he showed him encouragement and praise if he played successfully.
· Paul could then not please himself because he thought he only played to a recurring standard which was good but not good enough. E.g.; honourable mention had become the story of my life, no matter how much I practised. I had found my level, my performances frozen into a recurring pattern of Also Rans." Page 128
Good teacher
- He taught him patience
- Keller had good intentions for Paul but they were forceen, he showed Paul that beauty was skin deep, an e.g. Vienna was
What did he teach Paul?
On Page 12, we see lessons which Keller teaches Paul such as:
· “First, you must learn to listen”. Keller thinks Paul is spoilt, because Paul thinks that since Paul’s parents are paying him he should get what he wants the way he wants.
· “You are free to leave my home”, he answered. “At any time. But you are not free to play in my home without my permission”. This shows Paul the discipline and importance of authority. You may get what you want, but you need your manners and ask permission.
· Paul perceives Keller as always trying to punish him with making him work so hard. “It seemed Keller was determined to punish me-or-himself- for his excesses of Christmas gift-giving: lessons now lasted up to three hours, filled with scales, arpeggios, and the inevitable studies.”Page 64. Paul works hard to do well, Keller may seem as if he is “Punishing” Paul but he is “Punishing” himself because of the blame he puts on himself for the death of his family. He sees the love Paul has for music and knows that feeling and wants him to succeed in something he has so much love for.
What did he fail to teach him and why?
· Paul suppressed his ability, his personal perfection, because Keller never encouraged him enough to be first, but second-rate perfection maybe even third, but never first. Musical perfection was something which Paul could never reach; his ability was only able to touch technical perfection. “ But a second-rate perfection is all i have any hope of attaining: technical perfection, not musical perfection. Therefore, better second-rate than third." Page 148
· Due to Keller’s past experience’s Paul was not taught the romantic and passionate side of music, he failed to teach him how to play the Piano with passion and he was never able to learn or attempt romantic music, because this brought back past experiences of the war and his wife. Keller’s wife sang Wagner to the German Nazi’s who loved Wagner, but then was killed. “And to think she was a Wagner specialist.” My father said. Page 58
· Paul feels as if Keller was never taught anything by Keller. “He didn’t teach me a thing” Page 30.
Did he teach him about life?
· Keller taught Paul to ignore the judgements made by others, through his newspaper he shows him the superficial, fake.
Maestro Context Test: The Concert
Read the passage from the break on p.68 to the break on p.73
Answer the following questions in full sentences.
1. How does the change in the weather from 'wet' to 'dry' create a fitting setting for the concert, Keller's reaction in this scene and Pauls sensual / sexual awakening?
2. How does Goldsworthy use language choices to create Peul's attitude to Rosie on p.41?
3. Paul notes that Keller does not look well and is trembling. What reasons might there be for his state?
Answer the following questions in full sentences.
1. How does the change in the weather from 'wet' to 'dry' create a fitting setting for the concert, Keller's reaction in this scene and Pauls sensual / sexual awakening?
2. How does Goldsworthy use language choices to create Peul's attitude to Rosie on p.41?
3. Paul notes that Keller does not look well and is trembling. What reasons might there be for his state?
Maestro Practice SAC Topics and SAC details
These topics are relevant to the general areas on which the SAC topics are based. They will be the topics we use for the Practice SAC in A204 for our lesson tomorrow.
1. Keller may very well have been 'the worst possible teacher' for Paul. Do you agree?
OR
2. Although we are impressed with the skills of the author as a craftsman and interested in the subject matter, we are left thinking about what has been lost rather than what has been gained. To what extent to you agree with this statement?
SAC - 3rd June. 100 minutes in Aikenhead, Level 2. Assemble at 1.45. SAC goes from 1.50 until 3.30. Notes - one page front and back (typed or hand-written), to be handed to your teacher at least the day before the SAC. Dictionary is essential.
1. Keller may very well have been 'the worst possible teacher' for Paul. Do you agree?
OR
2. Although we are impressed with the skills of the author as a craftsman and interested in the subject matter, we are left thinking about what has been lost rather than what has been gained. To what extent to you agree with this statement?
SAC - 3rd June. 100 minutes in Aikenhead, Level 2. Assemble at 1.45. SAC goes from 1.50 until 3.30. Notes - one page front and back (typed or hand-written), to be handed to your teacher at least the day before the SAC. Dictionary is essential.
Keller - good or bad teacher?
Is Keller a good teacher or a bad teacher or a bad teacher? What did he teach Paul? What did he fail to teach him and why? Did he teach him about life?
Bad
Because of Keller’s own past experiences and his loss of romanticism, he doesn’t encourage Paul to play with emotion. Technical ugliness is something that he can trust. “We must be on our guard against beauty always. Never trust the beautiful.” – (Keller pg.50)
Paul is only fifteen and he receives little encouragement from Keller. This is enough to depress Paul, his dreams for the future and his passion for the piano. Children should dream.
Keller is cryptic in teaching Paul and not definitive. Paul becomes confused and finds it difficult to interpret what Keller says and find an answer.
Good
Paul is taught about life through the development of his piano education so consequently as Keller didn’t teach Paul how to feel the music, he taught him to live a passion-less life without connection to anything.
To play with passion is something one is born with. Technically, Keller taught Paul everything he could. “I have taught you everything you were able to learn.” (Keller pg 115)
Keller gave Paul all the tools necessary to be both a better person and pianist. Paul has the responsibility to take on what Keller has taught him. Paul’s own ego restrained his ability to push himself. Eg. Paul made fun of Keller giving him the Children’s Bach and didn’t embrace the opportunity to master it. “The boy is too given to self-satisfaction. The self-satisfied go no further.” (Keller pg 43)
Keller is a good life teacher. Although he is torn between loving Paul and honouring his family. Keller is torturing himself by exposing himself to music, but also manages to educate Paul with his textbooks and warnings about propaganda.
He teachers Paul that is he can do good things in bad situations, he will do great things in great situations. ”make music on that”, he told me, “and you can make music on anything”’ –Keller (pg 36)
Keller leaves room for Paul to make his own conclusions, believing this to be vital for his development. “It (Van Gogh forgery) was technically better than the original ... And yet something was missing. Not much – but something” –Keller (pg 46)
Keller shows Paul human perfection and subsequently snatches it away. He educates him about the levels of imperfection and that each being has unique potential. “every fish has its depth” –Keller (pg 107)
“Maybe there can be no such thing as perfection, just levels of imperfection” –Keller
-Life teachings:
*everything you do counts
*don’t get fooled by beauty, beauty isn’t always right
*truth is not skin deep, you have to look deeper to find the most important things
*simplicity is better
“I’ll practise more next time” –Paul (pg 111)
“No. Next time- less.” –Keller (pg 111)
Bad
Because of Keller’s own past experiences and his loss of romanticism, he doesn’t encourage Paul to play with emotion. Technical ugliness is something that he can trust. “We must be on our guard against beauty always. Never trust the beautiful.” – (Keller pg.50)
Paul is only fifteen and he receives little encouragement from Keller. This is enough to depress Paul, his dreams for the future and his passion for the piano. Children should dream.
Keller is cryptic in teaching Paul and not definitive. Paul becomes confused and finds it difficult to interpret what Keller says and find an answer.
Good
Paul is taught about life through the development of his piano education so consequently as Keller didn’t teach Paul how to feel the music, he taught him to live a passion-less life without connection to anything.
To play with passion is something one is born with. Technically, Keller taught Paul everything he could. “I have taught you everything you were able to learn.” (Keller pg 115)
Keller gave Paul all the tools necessary to be both a better person and pianist. Paul has the responsibility to take on what Keller has taught him. Paul’s own ego restrained his ability to push himself. Eg. Paul made fun of Keller giving him the Children’s Bach and didn’t embrace the opportunity to master it. “The boy is too given to self-satisfaction. The self-satisfied go no further.” (Keller pg 43)
Keller is a good life teacher. Although he is torn between loving Paul and honouring his family. Keller is torturing himself by exposing himself to music, but also manages to educate Paul with his textbooks and warnings about propaganda.
He teachers Paul that is he can do good things in bad situations, he will do great things in great situations. ”make music on that”, he told me, “and you can make music on anything”’ –Keller (pg 36)
Keller leaves room for Paul to make his own conclusions, believing this to be vital for his development. “It (Van Gogh forgery) was technically better than the original ... And yet something was missing. Not much – but something” –Keller (pg 46)
Keller shows Paul human perfection and subsequently snatches it away. He educates him about the levels of imperfection and that each being has unique potential. “every fish has its depth” –Keller (pg 107)
“Maybe there can be no such thing as perfection, just levels of imperfection” –Keller
-Life teachings:
*everything you do counts
*don’t get fooled by beauty, beauty isn’t always right
*truth is not skin deep, you have to look deeper to find the most important things
*simplicity is better
“I’ll practise more next time” –Paul (pg 111)
“No. Next time- less.” –Keller (pg 111)
Rites of Passage in Maestro
This is a ‘rites of passage’ novel. How does Goldsworthy explore ideas about the change from child to adult?
Sexual Experiences
Paul’s love for playing the romantics is echoed by the development of his sensual side. Paul’s first wet dream, obsession with Megan, fantasy scene in the library and love-making with Rosie eventuat as a result of both his physical and emotional development. A sexual urge that bever was present int he child Paul, is now takling over the adolescent Paul. The scene in which Paul talks to Keller and is distracted by Rosie outside, (and eventually gives in to her) is obvious of this.
“I glanced at her, and found a miracle had occurred before my eyes” (Paul-pg 70). Suddenly, Paul sees Rosie as a potential sexual partner, no longer as just a friend.
The Band-‘Rough Stuff’
Paul established himself as a member of the rebellious rock band, ‘Rough Stuff’ with the school bullies. Their need for his help feeds his own ego and he feels accepted by the school community. This rebellious action was aimed at asserting his own masculinity, confidence building as the number of groupies rises. Paul is aware of the lack of longevity of the band but believes it to be something he must get out of his system.
Fight with bullies
Paul’s first fight is welcomed by his own father who sees the experience as a rite of passafe uito manhood. He believes Paul’s masculinity to be strengthening and describes the experience to be stereotypical of a boy becoming a man.
“A few fights won’t do him any harm...you stand up for your rights” (John Crabbe-pg 74)
Finishing school
Symbolized by the bonfire party, Paul’s school years have come to an end. He has had to make a serious decision about his pathways.
“High school was finishing; the educational resources of Darwin could take me no further.” (Paul pg 112) Should he follow Rosie, music or something more sustainable?
Finding out the truth about the world
As a child, Paul is excited by his dreams but as he enters into adolescence, he begins to discover the truth about the world he lives in. His dreams are put into perspective. His discovery of Keller’s past and education through Keller’s ‘textbooks’, parallel his development as an adult in the world.
“If only at your age I’d had such textbooks” (Keller pg 67). During his youth however, Paul still believes, “I had better things to do” (Paul pg 67). This is a sign of immaturity however his gathering of information on Keller in his later years in Vienna, suggests a development in his maturity.
Sexual Experiences
Paul’s love for playing the romantics is echoed by the development of his sensual side. Paul’s first wet dream, obsession with Megan, fantasy scene in the library and love-making with Rosie eventuat as a result of both his physical and emotional development. A sexual urge that bever was present int he child Paul, is now takling over the adolescent Paul. The scene in which Paul talks to Keller and is distracted by Rosie outside, (and eventually gives in to her) is obvious of this.
“I glanced at her, and found a miracle had occurred before my eyes” (Paul-pg 70). Suddenly, Paul sees Rosie as a potential sexual partner, no longer as just a friend.
The Band-‘Rough Stuff’
Paul established himself as a member of the rebellious rock band, ‘Rough Stuff’ with the school bullies. Their need for his help feeds his own ego and he feels accepted by the school community. This rebellious action was aimed at asserting his own masculinity, confidence building as the number of groupies rises. Paul is aware of the lack of longevity of the band but believes it to be something he must get out of his system.
Fight with bullies
Paul’s first fight is welcomed by his own father who sees the experience as a rite of passafe uito manhood. He believes Paul’s masculinity to be strengthening and describes the experience to be stereotypical of a boy becoming a man.
“A few fights won’t do him any harm...you stand up for your rights” (John Crabbe-pg 74)
Finishing school
Symbolized by the bonfire party, Paul’s school years have come to an end. He has had to make a serious decision about his pathways.
“High school was finishing; the educational resources of Darwin could take me no further.” (Paul pg 112) Should he follow Rosie, music or something more sustainable?
Finding out the truth about the world
As a child, Paul is excited by his dreams but as he enters into adolescence, he begins to discover the truth about the world he lives in. His dreams are put into perspective. His discovery of Keller’s past and education through Keller’s ‘textbooks’, parallel his development as an adult in the world.
“If only at your age I’d had such textbooks” (Keller pg 67). During his youth however, Paul still believes, “I had better things to do” (Paul pg 67). This is a sign of immaturity however his gathering of information on Keller in his later years in Vienna, suggests a development in his maturity.
Is Keller a good teacher or a bad teacher?
Keller failed to make Paul a concert pianist
- Is it due to Paul's learning ability or Keller's teaching ability?
- Keller can only teach Paul "what he is able to learn"
Would Keller be a more brilliant teacher if there had been no war?
- If there was no war, Keller may have been able to teach Paul the passion ("rubato") that is required of a great concert pianist
- Keller teaches Paul not to trust beauty and shows him the stupidity of humans
- He not only provides Paul with the discipline and structure necessary to reach his own potential, but also enables him to develop the knowledge essential for asking questions about life and human behaviour
Keller teacher Paul not only about the world of music, but also about life and our limitations
- “Every fish has its depth” – Keller
- No longer arrogant, Paul bitterly reflects that Keller h as succeeded in “revealing a perfection” and reaching a mastery of “self-criticism” that means Paul will never forget his limitations
- Keller attempts to change Paul’s perception about the world but fails to show him the positive side of life
Keller inspires Paul to search for excellence
- Keller’s demanding style of teaching educates Paul to see his true measure and to understand the search for perfection is worthy
- Keller and Paul both have a drive for perfection and excellence in both their music and their life
- Paul’s failure to be “one in a million” is no failure at all, because his years with Keller have enriched him enormously
- Is it due to Paul's learning ability or Keller's teaching ability?
- Keller can only teach Paul "what he is able to learn"
Would Keller be a more brilliant teacher if there had been no war?
- If there was no war, Keller may have been able to teach Paul the passion ("rubato") that is required of a great concert pianist
- Keller teaches Paul not to trust beauty and shows him the stupidity of humans
- He not only provides Paul with the discipline and structure necessary to reach his own potential, but also enables him to develop the knowledge essential for asking questions about life and human behaviour
Keller teacher Paul not only about the world of music, but also about life and our limitations
- “Every fish has its depth” – Keller
- No longer arrogant, Paul bitterly reflects that Keller h as succeeded in “revealing a perfection” and reaching a mastery of “self-criticism” that means Paul will never forget his limitations
- Keller attempts to change Paul’s perception about the world but fails to show him the positive side of life
Keller inspires Paul to search for excellence
- Keller’s demanding style of teaching educates Paul to see his true measure and to understand the search for perfection is worthy
- Keller and Paul both have a drive for perfection and excellence in both their music and their life
- Paul’s failure to be “one in a million” is no failure at all, because his years with Keller have enriched him enormously
LOYALTY AND BETRAYAL
HERR KELLER
Betrayal
- Keller betrays his heritage by attempting to forget his past. page 133 'Old Vienna vanished long ago, demolished into a great city'
- Keller betrays himself- pretends to be a jew to punish himself
Loyalty
- Maestro's loyalty to Paul is evident on page 116 -"my affection for you does not depend on those small things" he knew Paul didnt have the talent, the 'roberto' yet he stayed with him and "taught him everything he was able to learn" page 115
- Maestro's loyalty to music page 138 "he told me if he ever had the desire to play agin he would hack off his fingers one by one" Maestro did allow himself to play music again but not without punishment.
- Keller was loyal to the Nazi party. he played music for them even though he didnt agree with them. "who would harm the wife of Eduard Keller?" page 117 The Nazi's betrayed Keller.
PAUL
Betrayal
- betrayal of Benny. page 26 "You want to sign my plaster?" "I have to practice" and page 84-betrays Benny to Jimmy.
- Betrays Rosie- cheats on her with meagan page 70-81
- Betrays classical, talented music for shallow rock. page 79 "music the universal common language would provide me with protection" Paul joined the band for all the wrong reasons.
- Paul abuses Keller's developed trust and doesn'y pay full attention to his story page 115- "i loved him in many ways, but i loved Rosie more"
What is the attitude of the elder Paul to his younger self? How does the narrative style and structure affect our understanding of the story?
Attitude of the elder Paul to his younger self:
Attitude of the elder Paul to his younger self:
- "first impressions?Misleading of course. As always."
- paul looks at his younger self as arrogant ad is ashamed because he knows he was ignorant and immature.
- paul as a fifteen yr old was conceited, selfish and is used to being the best and the one and only.
- The older Paul comments thruoghout the novel about his younger self with disgust and abhorrence.
- egotistical
- Paul has a rite of passage into maturity.
- Maestro follows Paul from early adolescence into adulthood and depicts Paul learning and understanding about life.
- Throughout the novel, paul travels from being an indulged boy with no real understanding of his emotions, to a state in which he recognises the need for the emotional part of himself.
- He starts out as a spoilt and naive teenager, and develops to become a mature, respectable and humbled individual.
- Paul soon learns to love others, and not just himself.
Structure:
- Musical Structure
- The chapter "Intermezzo" is used in the middle to part the novel life a piece of music.
- It is a brief change of pace, as it is in music.
- Poetic
- Keller's scrawled "libretto"(the lyrics to an opera) on his newspaper-clipping "textbook"
By last years yr 12 Eng class.
Relationship between Keller and Paul
TRACE THE KEY POINTS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE RELATIONSHIP BEWTEEN KELLER AND PAUL
Darwin 1967
-p.3 – first impression (boozer, Keller with a capital K)
-p.18 –“Adolf Keller”
-p20- Paul realises Keller learnt from Leschetizky; becomes determined to find out his past. Paul becomes slightly less critical of him and becomes curious
-p.31- Paul hates Kellers criticisms and starts working harder to prove Keller wrong
-p.36 – Inside Kellers room alone, for the first time, Paul thinks of Keller as a person with feelings – “maestro” with a little ‘m’
-p.18 –“Adolf Keller”
-p20- Paul realises Keller learnt from Leschetizky; becomes determined to find out his past. Paul becomes slightly less critical of him and becomes curious
-p.31- Paul hates Kellers criticisms and starts working harder to prove Keller wrong
-p.36 – Inside Kellers room alone, for the first time, Paul thinks of Keller as a person with feelings – “maestro” with a little ‘m’
-p.40 - Keller sends him home from rehersal for not practising. As a result he redoubles his efforts
-p.54 - Recieves the gift
-p.64 - Keller opens up and answers Paul’s questions
-p.66 - Keller gives Paul the scrapbook
-p.73 - Keller cancel’s a lesson and Paul checks if he is alright.
-p.99 - Keller decides to go to Adelaide with Paul.
-p.107 - “Every fish has it’s depth”
-p.110 - Keller stays at Paul’s grandparents; Paul gets to know him better; Sees the Auschwitz tattoo
-p.115 - Paul sees Keller as a father figure. Keller wants Paul to stay, for himself, not for Paul. Keller admits to affection towards Paul
-p.54 - Recieves the gift
-p.64 - Keller opens up and answers Paul’s questions
-p.66 - Keller gives Paul the scrapbook
-p.73 - Keller cancel’s a lesson and Paul checks if he is alright.
-p.99 - Keller decides to go to Adelaide with Paul.
-p.107 - “Every fish has it’s depth”
-p.110 - Keller stays at Paul’s grandparents; Paul gets to know him better; Sees the Auschwitz tattoo
-p.115 - Paul sees Keller as a father figure. Keller wants Paul to stay, for himself, not for Paul. Keller admits to affection towards Paul
-p.166-119 - Keller tells Paul his whole storyPg. 123-124 – Paul quotes Keller but writes to him infrequently
-p.127 – Paul stops telling people he learnt from Keller
-p.127 – Paul stops telling people he learnt from Keller
Vienna 1975
-p.135 – Paul is in Vienna thinking of Keller; sends out advertisements to try to find out about Keller
-p.139 – Paul begins to understand why Keller is hiding out in Darwin
1977
-p.144 – Paul goes back to see Keller in hospital
-P.146 – Keller dies D:
-p.135 – Paul is in Vienna thinking of Keller; sends out advertisements to try to find out about Keller
-p.139 – Paul begins to understand why Keller is hiding out in Darwin
1977
-p.144 – Paul goes back to see Keller in hospital
-P.146 – Keller dies D:
THE END.
x Rachel, Liz and Sarah
Rites of Pasage
Paul's journey from childhood to adulthood involves him overcoming his own arrogence and undergoe the loss of his dreams [failure]
Other rites of passage:
**Highschool and being bullied by his peers.
** Joining the band at school and obtaining approval from his peers
**His first girl crush, Megan....and....his first love, Rosie
**His first sexual experience (wet dream and losing his virginity)
**Gradualation (the bonfire party) and leaving home
**Marriage and his first child
**Failure and dissapointment of not winning competitions. Realising he is not the best
'Every fish has it's depth' pg 107
**The death of Keller makes Paul realise he doesnt belong in the world of music, keller offered a safety net to Paul. A connection to list etc. pg 148
**Failure and dissapointment of not winning competitions. Realising he is not the best
'Every fish has it's depth' pg 107
**The death of Keller makes Paul realise he doesnt belong in the world of music, keller offered a safety net to Paul. A connection to list etc. pg 148
Anh-Thi and Claire :)
What is the attitude of the elder Paul to his younger self?
What is the attitude of the elder Paul to his younger self?
- Paul often uses self sabotaging humour to describe his younger self. He's very arrogant and self-assured.
- He can act as an adult interpreter for his reflections of his younger self.
- He uses adult perseptions of his younger self. i.e: the piano tape he sent to Keller during Univeristy
- Realises that he was stubborn and overly self loving.
- Paul returns from Europe with the realisation and limitations of his talent. "honorable mention had become the story of my life." p127
- Relationship with Keller improves throughout book, thus buils a greater respect for him. This is shown by the transformation of maestro to Maestro.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)