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 we'd 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 Keller's relationship. Paul receives a card, and a crude bachelor-wrapped parcel' from Keller. Paul's 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 Keller's 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.