Character Analysis of Maestro Darwin by Peter Goldworthy
Character Analysis of Maestro Darwin by Peter Goldworthy
Darwin is a small, tropical hothouse of a port, half outback and half oriental, lying at the tip of North Australia. In Peter Goldworthy's novel Maestro Darwin is depicted through the eyes of his characters. It is a Place of wide spaces, freedom and possibilities for Paul Crabbe. In Eduard Keller Paul's piano teacher's situation Darwin is a place of refuge where he has fled to, to try and escape his past and life a life of mystery. Whereas Darwin for Paul's parent's is a hot, sun drenched town with little cultural or intellectual life bearing no resemblance to the lifestyle in which they were accustomed to.
It is evident from the beginning that Paul loves Darwin. It is a paradise compared to Adelaide where he used to life, which was more confined and protected with its "neat rows of suburbs". (100) The isolation of Darwin seemed to signify youth, space and freedom for Paul. It was an environment to grow in with its lush greenery and possibilities "everything larger than life and the people were no exception". (11) There was a diverse mix of people in Darwin each influenced Paul in on different levels. Darwin is often referred to as a hot, steamy, sensual place and Rosie a girl who moved to Darwin from Melbourne who shared many of the same interests as Paul helped him realise exactly what this meant. Rosie forfils Paul's sexual and intellectual needs. She assists in his journey from youth to adulthood. Although perhaps the most influential person for Paul is his piano teacher Eduard Keller. Keller keeps Paul in check and reminds him that he "should not be too full of self importance". (103) In Darwin fame and success can be achieved easily. However when Paul returns to Adelaide he realises that it is a much bigger scene and does not find the same success. Yet later Paul learns that "nothing worthwhile was ever achieved so easily". (91) Paul returns to Darwin many years later after Cyclone Tracey when he hears news of Keller's health. After Keller's death Paul "walks out into the new, unfamiliar Darwin" (146) all the while regretting the passing of "those beautiful years". (149)
Darwin for Paul was a place of freedom and possibilities a place he loved whereas Darwin for Eduard Keller was a place of refuge where he had fled to, to...