By the end of the novel Maestro the reader feels that both Keller and Paul are egotists and equally unattractive characters Essay Example for Free

By the end of the novel Maestro the reader feels that both Keller and capital of Minnesota are egotists and as unattractive characters EssayBy the end of the novel the reader feels that both Keller and capital of Minnesota are egotists and equally unattractive characters. While I agree with the starting line part of this statement I disagree with the second. In this essay I will be discussing the characters egotism, is relation to each other. I will explain the think behind the characters reasonings and because of this why I trust that Paul is the more unlikable character of the two. The reader learns very on in the hold up that each of these characters has unattractive qualities. Goldsworthy creates these characters equally undesirable in their own right. Pauls superficial view on emotion and his quick judgement peculiarly when it comes to Keller contrisolelye to the portrayal of Paul as a passablyly unlikable character.Paul makes the transition in this book growing up and this in its ego is very much a contributing factor as we see him grow into his egotism where as Keller is explained and somewhat redeemed. Despite Keller being describes as a virtuoso he is viewed by Paul -and there for the reader -as arrogant and patronising. The boy is given to much self satisfaction he observes of Paul, which is a fair description as Paul is often critical and patronising of Kellers teaching techniques, which may well stem from his superior view of himself, of course he sounded better, he had a better piano. Paul from very early on is self centred, believing he is the best.He takes things at face value, especially when it comes to judicial decision Keller and his teaching style. He does not take the time to watch and learn before making assumptions. When he says Hes a Nazi he could not have been more wrong. This statement become more apparent towards the end of the novel when we learn about Kellers association with the NAZIs and the consequences it had no t sole(prenominal) on his life but also those of this family, his wife and son. Kellers anti-social behaviour tends to bring a distance between himself and the other people in Darwin but also from himself as a character and the reader. But this is not a negative influence, in fact it makes the reader empathise with him or at to the lowest degree intrigue the reader enough to be on his side. This could be seen as one of Keller redeeming factors.When Keller chooses to move to Adelaide, Paul realised that his exile was self impose His exile was chosen, not forced upon him, Kellers arrogance and naivety during the War are why he chooses to stay in Vienna and ultimately causes the deaths of his wife and son. Keller believes that he had been betrayed, that by being close to Hitler his family would be saved. This assumption was naive, he says himself I knew these people, these murderers. I had signed their concert programs. His self imposed isolation in Darwin as a result of this evok es empathy and sympathy in the reader and this could again be seen as a redeeming quality. As the reader learns that Keller has reason for his egotism, Paul- because of his spring chicken is viewed negatively because he comes off as an ignorant child. When he moves to Adelaide we realise however that he has somewhat been groomed into this arrogance.Learning from Keller, Paul learns a circularise but he also gets handed all of Kellers arrogance as well. Learning the techniques from Keller but not how to play the music with passion, Paul starts to believe that technique is the only important thing. Keller as we learn has reason to focus on the technique, simply because he cannot stand the pain of actually feeling the music, perspicuous in his missing finger. Pauls arrogance grows throughout the book. As he progresses through the lessons with Keller and also as his love life grows with Rosie, he grows more self assured. Paul is very self driven and thinking he is the best he makes d ecisions that show his arrogance to the fullest.The choice to move to Adelaide right on the cusp of getting to finally know everything about his teacher shows that not only is he arrogant he is an egotist. He wants the fame and glory of being an dread(a) piano player. While Paul appears narcissistic, he is often aware of his flaws. Despite being pretentious, Paul is fundamentally shy. His refuge in the music room parallels Kellers self-imposed solitude at the Swan. Paul is unsure of himself, as his self-perception lagged timidly behind his growth spurt. His arrogance protects him from his loneliness and his inability to attain greatness. Although Pauls delusions of grandeur mark him as a weak character.At the end of the novel Paul admits that he is able to dupe my audience at the odd concertbut nevermyself, referring to his musical ability. Paul comes to the realisation that he will never be the piano player he desires and this admission evokes some empathy from the Maestro readers . Pauls egotisms is much more prominent than Kellers, and the tragedy of Kellers life in a way prevents the reader from having negative feelings towards him. Paul and Keller are stand for as egotistical characters but whereas Pauls is viewed as negative with small redeeming factors, Kellers is understood and earned and explained from his passed.