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