Contrasting Maestro & TKAMB in regards to racism

An individual’s emotional development can be conveyed through distinctively visual language in texts. With the assistance of emotive language, salient images are created to express changing aspects of the character. Maturation through the education and the reaction to racism, are explored in Peter Goldsworthy’s Maestro, focusing on Paul’s emotional development through knowledge and realization of Keller’s past. This is also explored in the film adaptation of Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird, with emphasis on the emotional growth of Scout, accentuating how she is influenced and educated by her father, irrespective of the environment that she is in – that is intolerant of racial differences. Influence and education are vital to the forming of a racist perspective, and therefore leading to emotional development. It is common for a composer to use striking visual images within a text to prepare the audience for change within the novel, either in setting or character; in this instance the distinctively visual is centered around emotional development of young protagonists.

An understanding must be made in order to emotionally develop. This is explored within Maestro, in this regard the misunderstanding of Keller’s past as a WWII survivor. Pages 11-14 of the novel, is essential in comprehending Paul’s immaturity. The reaction of “He’s A Nazi” is made after Paul, is denied by Keller to play Chopin. High modality is used to emphasise Paul’s frustration and impatience, consequently bringing attention to his immaturity, highlighted within the racist slur. It is made obvious the inconsideration Paul has when he makes judgements of individuals. Goldsworthy uses Paul’s parents to call attention to their son’s naivety. Using both the distinctively visual image of Paul’s mother shaking her head and the quote “You know so much for your age…and so little” highlights his mother’s knowledge of Paul’s immaturity, the use of ellipsis creates tension between Paul and his