Maestro and the distinctively visual free essay sample

Through the exploration of the texts Maestro, by Peter Goldsworthy, and The Falling Man, by Richard Drew, the emergence of imagery deciphers and projects the varying meanings of each text. Through distinctively visual language features in the novel Maestro, images are created which help convey the major theme of the text; relationships. This is contrasted by the visual techniques in the image of The Falling Man, capturing a moment of terror in history. Both texts similarly consist of the raw and honest effects of war on humanity. Goldsworthy uses the characterisation of Keller and his relationship with Vienna to capture the effects of war; the Holocaust. Knowledge of this historical context allows responders to understand why Keller is so reserved and unwilling to talk of his past. Goldsworthy uses Keller as a symbol of the effects of war on humanity and of loss. It is evident through the photograph of his family that war brings the loss of people’s most cared-about things in life. We will write a custom essay sample on Maestro and the distinctively visual or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The use of emotive language as Keller picks up the picture creates empathy in the responder and allows people to relate to the destruction of relationships by one means or another. The fact that Keller has no little finger is a symbolic gesture of defiance of war. Paul’s description: â€Å"A gold ring on the stump seemed to deliberately flaunt its absence†. This is creates a very confronting image, and is enhanced later in the novel where it is told that Keller cut it off himself in retaliation to playing piano for Hitler. The effects of war are also a prominent in the image, The Falling Man, relating to the September 11 terror attacks. The use of colour, the contrast of light and dark shadows, immediately is symbolic of two sides; of good against evil; binary opposites. This is in contrast to Goldsworthy using language which creates the most colourful and lively images to convey his message. The word â€Å"Falling† in the title is not only a representation of the towers falling and the man falling, but also the effect the whole event had on society. America, at that moment, ‘fell’. Individual lives destroyed; families no longer intact; the whole world came to a standstill. The idea of innocent lives copping the major effects of war is reflected in Maestro through Keller’s wife and child. The man in the centre is the salient image, therefore immediately drawing the viewer’s eyes to him. This intentional use of framing highlights the man’s significance; he is a symbol of each and every life that was lost during the 9/11. Both texts create incredibly realistic images which capture the way in which war impacts on human kind. A common ideal in both texts is the aspect of choice. Keller’s choice to live and teach in Darwin is highlighted through Paul’s words â€Å"†¦money was the least of his worries. Clearly he didn’t have to teach. His contempt was fuelled by feelings far more complicated and contradictory than I had thought†¦ His exile was chosen, not forced upon him. † This ideal of choice is also reflected in The Falling Man through his body language and clothing. The way his body is positioned and his posture gives an illusion of peace and serenity. The white clothing further symbolises innocence and purity. Hence both texts portray people who have chosen their own ending; another clear defiance of war.