Keller is an effective teacher: Year 11

Essay question: Keller was an ineffective teacher

 

* It is possible to view the character of Eduard Keller in many ways. Paul initially

sees him as condescending and dislikes him profusely. By the end of text,

however, the reader understands that Paul has developed a close and

respectful relationship with his teacher.

The two statements below describe different points of view on Keller, with

examples of evidence from the text that support and strengthen either

interpretation. Think about whether or not the following points are a fair

assessment of Keller’s teaching methods.

‘Keller is an ineffective teacher.’

Evidence from the text:

• Keller’s advice often consists of peculiar riddles, making it difficult for Paul to

understand him: ‘Only those who are dirty need to wash’ (p.41).

• He patronises Paul by making him play pieces that are not challenging

enough, such as The Children’s Bach (p.27).

• He has drinking and obvious emotional issues that make him erratic. See for

example when he calls off a lesson when he has had too much to drink

(p.73).

• He is overly critical and seldom gives positive encouragement. Paul sends

him a tape of his Honours performance only to have it sent back with a

detailed critique (p.124).

• He frequently insults Paul: ‘It is you who are ignorant’ (p.71).

• His view of the world is negative and pessimistic which is not good for a

young man such as Paul. Compare Paul’s and Keller’s attitudes to Vienna

on p.133.

• Keller rarely practises or performs himself and so is a poor model: ‘I never

hear you practise’ (p.41).

• He has been limited in what he has been able to teach Paul and fails in the

goal of making him a successful concert pianist.

• Keller sees only imperfection in everything and therefore will never be happy

with his own performances, let alone Paul’s.

 

 

 

‘Keller is an effective teacher.’

Evidence from the text:

• Keller has an impeccable pedigree of musical ancestors, with his own

teacher being Leschetizky (p.21).

• He was a renowned performer at the height of his career. Henisch calls him

the pianist and teacher he ‘prized above all others of his generation’ (p.132).

• Taking Paul back to basics is a good thing as it undoes his bad habits and

teaches him humility.

• He does give positive encouragement sometimes: ‘You should have won the

competition. You were the best’ (p.113).

• He is upfront and honest for Paul’s own good, explaining, ‘A small hurt now

to avoid a wasted life’ (p.113).

• He is kind and fatherly when he occasionally gives Paul gifts. See for

example when he gives Paul the Czerny manuscript (p.54).

• His great piano playing is something for Paul to aspire to. As Paul observes,

‘the hands played, autonomously, with an abandon and rapture beyond

anything I had ever heard’ (p.73).

• He never gives up on Paul and follows him to Adelaide to help in the

competition.

• He has taught Paul all that was possible to teach; as he notes, ‘I have taught

you everything you were able to learn’ (p.115).

 

 

WHAT DO YOU THINK?