English Speech

relationship with the rigid, unhappy character called Eduard Keller. You might say he came to love the man, but at first Paul dislikes Keller.   Keller considered the boy spoilt arrogant and over indulged by his parents’ doting.

’ In the 1968 section of the novel we start to read a change in Keller’s attitude, but only subtly. ‘That Christmas card and priceless gift had opened a door, a narrow emotional chink. However gruffly he tried to slam it shut I was determined to keep my foot wedged in the crack’ says Paul, more confident than ever. The gift Keller gave Paul was not only priceless in monetary value, but priceless in that it helped both of them realise they do care for each other. During the Adelaide section of the novel, Paul is entered in a competition. From this we learn that Keller wants Paul to develop a name for himself, he wants Paul to succeed. Paul on the other hand, feels that he needs Keller praise to accomplish his goals. This praise is forever absent throughout his training with Herr Keller. Paul’s last visit to Keller’s room above the Swan fuels many big changes in their relationship. During their last time together, Keller admits that he does care about Paul. Herr Keller opens up and shares his deepest and darkest secrets with Paul, but Paul is more interested in his awaiting girlfriend. In a selfish frenzy of horniness, Paul leaves Eduard Keller, mid confessional. In late 1977 Paul receives a letter from the Darwin Hospital, seeking information about the next of kin of Eduard Keller. Keller is sick, but ‘In No Pain’ he was ‘Suffering a Long Illness.’ Paul returns to the North to visit Keller, his beloved music teacher. [continues]

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