Paul's growth to maturity is the central concern of the novel

To what extent do you agree with this statement? Discuss in relation to the novel's themes and issues.

The central concern of the novel "Maestro" is definitely the growth to maturity of Paul. The issues which arise in the novel, such as music, relationships,m love, and betrayal, all contribute and lead to his development to understanding.

Music is an on-going and interweaving motif throughout the novel, and is also the most important one. Music is the glue which bonds many relationships in the novel; Paul and Rosie's, Paul and the band's, Paul and Mr Keller, and Paul's parents. Through music, Paul was able to learn a lot - mostly from Herr Keller. At the beginning of the novel, we are introduced to a young, arrogant, smug, self-congratulatory boy who was proclaimed to be a musical prodigy by his parents. At first, Paul looks down on herr Keller and his seemingly ridiculous ways. Paul had never encountered such an eccentric or bizarre piano teacher before, and immediately ridiculed his methods. He felt that he was too good to be taught by Herr Keller

I smiled, but internally, unseen......."

Also, through the band, he sees the eye of betrayal. Members of the band are tossed around carelessly, much to Paul's surprise and dissatisfaction.

As their relationship grew, they began to depend on each other; Paul on Herr Keller for musical guidance, and Herr Keller on Paul for a "second chance" in life. Paul develops respect and admiration, and even love, for Herr Keller when he finally realises what he is losing When he sees Herr Keller on his deathbed. Herr Keller had become a father figure to him. In many ways, herr Keller not only taught Paul about music, but also about love, sacrifice, survival, strength, suffering, and the harsh reality of war. We come to see a new Paul who has a comprehension of all these things.

"Now I was faced with myself for the first time: Paul Crabbe, greying, dissatisfied, fast approaching mid-life, my backside stuck fast to a minor chair in a minor music school. Able to dupe my audiences at the odd concert, and even the critics - no, especially the critics - but never for one moment, even at my most unguarded, deluding myself."

"The plebs think it's finished,"[I said]...

Similar events to this occur many times before Paul realises the truth behind Herr Keller's enigmatic words.

This shows Paul's decelopment to some understanding of Herr Keller. Normally, he would have felt frustrated and annoyed at such criticism from herr Keller, but this time he knew his own limits and that Herr Keller must be right.

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Approximate Word count = 1482
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)