What are the themes are ideas presented in page 74 when Keller hears Wagner and reacts out of place for his character. Are there themes of setting, character, atmosphere if so what?

Question

Maestro

What are the themes are ideas presented in page 74 when Keller hears Wagner and reacts out of place for his character. Are there themes of setting, character, atmosphere if so what?

Now I see it perfectly clearly: as the first bars of the Wagner shimmered into the air, and vanished, shimmered again and vanished again, Keller became very silent. Of course he would have been silent anyway, listening to the music, but this silence was somehow different, deeper, stronger: a zone of silence in the noise of the music, so deep that it…screamed.The muscles of his face had frozen, his eyes were unblinking.And suddenly he was wobbling to his feet, shouting in German. A swirl of shushes washed against him from all sides, but he wouldn’t be stopped. Neither would the orchestra: the conductor half-turned at the first interruption, and a few prim faces and glinting spectacles turned upwards from their instruments momentarily, but the music continued.Tears were filling the deep fissures of that parched landscape, Keller’s face. Weeping in his white tropical suit, he stood in the audience like a stranded member of the orchestra, unable to reach the stage, or not allowed to play.Two ushers - volunteers from the Musical Society, well-meaning, dithering - were at his side: ‘Please maestro. Not again.’Not again? The word stuck in my ear, and stayed there, trapped, buzzing.

Asked by Aliyah K #1294095 on 3/8/2023 8:02 AM

Last updated by Mohit S #1290510 on 3/12/2023 5:38 PM

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Answered by Mohit S #1290510 on 3/12/2023 5:38 PM

On page 74 of the novel "Maestro" by Peter Goldsworthy, the protagonist, Paul Crabbe, describes the character of his piano teacher, Eduard Keller, as "mercurial" and "unpredictable". Keller is portrayed as an intense and demanding teacher who can be both abusive and inspiring. At one point, while listening to Wagner's music, Keller unexpectedly starts crying, which surprises and confuses Paul.

This scene touches on several themes and ideas present throughout the novel, including the power of music to evoke intense emotions, the complexity of human relationships, and the role of art in shaping our identities. The scene also highlights the contrast between Keller's public persona as a strict and disciplined teacher and his private, vulnerable moments.

The setting of the scene - a music lesson - is important in conveying the theme of the transformative power of music. As Keller listens to Wagner, his emotional response suggests that the music is touching on some deep, personal level. This is further emphasized by Keller's subsequent confession to Paul about his past experiences in Nazi Germany.

The character of Keller is also central to this scene and the novel as a whole. His emotional outburst reveals a more human side of him, in contrast to the strict and unapproachable persona he presents to his students. This complexity of character is further explored as the novel progresses, revealing Keller's past struggles and the impact they have had on his present behavior.

The atmosphere of the scene is tense and uncomfortable, as Paul is caught off-guard by Keller's emotional response to the music. This creates a sense of unease and uncertainty, contributing to the overall theme of the complexity and unpredictability of human emotions.

Overall, this scene contributes to the novel's exploration of the transformative power of music, the complexity of human relationships, and the role of art in shaping our identities. It also highlights the contrast between public and private personas and the importance of acknowledging the complexity of human emotions.

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