Relationships

How have three texts you have studied enhanced your understanding of relationships? Refer to Maestro and two other texts of your choosing?

Relationships are a complex part of today’s society and affect all areas. All relationships are different, and they influence the decisions made by people and others around them. The three texts ‘Maestro’ by Peter Goldsworthy, ‘Dead Poets Society’ directed by Peter Weir and ‘Goodnight Mr Tom’ by Michelle Magorian all enhance the understanding of relationships.

These three texts, all show various types of relationships, are all presented in various ways. The main relationship presented in ‘Maestro’ involves the unlikely friendship developed between a teacher (Keller) and his student (Paul). The main relationship in ‘Goodnight Mr Tom’ is rather similar and involves the relationship between an elderly man (Tom) and an evacuee he was forced to take on- a young boy (Willie). Finally the main relationship exposed in ‘Dead Poets Society’ is between a teacher (John Keating) and his pupils including Neil and Todd.

All of these relationships in these texts enhance ones understanding of relationships by techniques used. ‘Maestro’s’ unique technique, is not only the use of first person, but how the whole story is a combination of flashbacks and memories by the narrator Paul of when ‘he was only a child’. From this perspective, the narrator reflects back on this enchanted period of childhood and adolescence. His relationship with Keller is very cold at first, and we know this is misleading through the first line when Paul quotes ‘First Impressions? Misleading, of course. As always’. The first chapter is about Paul and Keller, and how they do not get along. Through the first line, we know that this is a false impression of their relationship and that it will improve. This line that Paul recites, generally describes all relationships. They are false on first impressions, as the person is not familiar to you.

‘Goodnight Mr Tom’ has a traditional layout, with chronological chapters, and written in third person. When Tom first meets Willie, it is an awkward experience for Tom, and a frightening experience for Willie as to Willie Mr Tom ‘was a towering giant with skin like coarse, wrinkled brown paper and a voice like thunder’. However as one continues through the book it is recognized that William Beech and his relationship with Mr....

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...es, moreover, he truly believes that he is not able to write poetry. However, John Keating neither gives him an "F" nor lets him sit down however makes Todd believe in himself. He says: "Mr. Anderson thinks that everything inside of him is worthless and embarrassing, isn't that right Todd, isn't that your worst fear? Well, I think you're wrong, I think you have something inside of you that is worth a great deal." Saying this was enough to make Todd believe that he is just as any other students of his class is able to write a poem. When individuals experience success, they grow in self-confidence and as their self-esteem grows, they will feel more comfortable to face new challenges. Weir tries to convey that sometimes to achieve that confidence, a mentor is required, someone who can bring you up when you are down.

The novels ‘Maestro’ by Peter Goldsworthy, ‘Goodnight Mr Tom’ by Michelle Magorian and ‘Dead Poets Society’ directed by Peter Weir all convey various messages to enhance the understanding of relationships. Through the use of various techniques such as characterization, themes, and music, these texts emphasize the importance and value of relationships.