Maestro Point of View

Peter Goldsworthy uses techniques of point of view and perspective to construct the character of Paul Crabbe in his novel, Maestro. Maestro employs the older and more mature Paul Crabbe as the remissive narrator for the duration of the novel. As the narrator, Paul gives insight and his personal opinions towards various issues, effectively allowing the reader to view how Paul will eventually develop as a character. Perspective in Maestro allows the reader to experience the development of Paul through; the novel as a Bildungsroman, the style of Maestro as a memoir, and the traits which contrast the characters of the Younger and Older Paul.

The character of the older and matured narrator within Maestro, introduces the genre of Bildungsroman. Even from the beginning of the novel, it is obvious that Maestro is indeed a story of growth and development, as the narrator reveals that his younger self shall eventually grow and develop positive qualities which shall consequently shape him into his older self. Despite the younger Paul’s range of negative qualities, the reader remains confident that he will learn from past mistakes and replace such qualities with positive ones. The narrator uses a confessional and reflective tone throughout, and often apologizes for the mistakes made by his younger self. For example, Paul’s arrogance is recognized by the narrator when he believes that Keller had dressed in a white suit for Paul “Had he spruced up especially to meet me? I was child enough – self-centred enough – to think it likely”. This shows the narrator is ashamed of his previous attitudes, and apologises for them – demonstrating a development in Paul’s character. Point of view in Maestro allows the reader to view predicted development to the character of Paul, and the novel’s effectiveness as a Bildungsroman.

Maestro’s literary style as a memoir allows Goldsworthy to employ dual perspectives to gain alternate responses and opinions towards the younger and older Paul in...