Exploring Peter Goldsworthy's novel Maestro

Please complete the activities below:

 

• What do you think the characteristics of a good opening paragraph are?

 

• Which of these characteristics are present in Goldsworthy's opening paragraph?  Provide examples.

 

• ​What do you think the strengths of Goldsworthy's opening paragraph are?  Provide examples.

 

• Do you think it is significant that Herr Keller is introduced first?  Why or why not?

 

• Re-write the opening of Goldsworthy's novel; instead of introducing Herr Keller first, begin by introducing Paul Crabbe.  Your aim is to create a strong character description that is rich in imagery.