Paul Crabbe, who slowly leaves his childhood innocence behind to enter the new world of adulthood, whose pathway to maturity or self-understanding is described through a series of experiences, particularly with an old Viennese music teacher, Eduard Keller, or the 'Maestro'.
             Near the end of the novel, where Paul is in his mid-twenties, he looks back on his transformation from a spoiled, self-indulged adolescent, to a more compassionate and more knowledgeable adult. He realizes, through his own suffering and Keller's influence, that his talents are not good enough to earn him a career as a concert pianist. Paul's personality changes throughout the text. Thanks to what Herr Keller taught him, not only about music but ones self.
             At the start Paul is corrupted by pride and the idea that he is great, almost perfect even. This self-satisfaction does wonders to boost his ego, as he predicts instant fame and fortune will come to him. When he first meets Keller, he acts as if he knows everything, but Keller changes this in Paul by mocking him constantly, with comments like, "you know so much for your age...and so little", and won't give in to his superficial ideals. Paul does not appreciate it when the old man honestly points out his true arrogant nature, but Keller does this not to harm Paul but on the contrary to help him. This eventually awakens to his truth. With truth comes suffering, and suffering does play an integral part to Paul's maturity and him learning about himself.
             For years, Keller had been trying to teach Paul not to expect too much. Because he wanted Paul to learn from the mistakes he had done, and for him not to fall in the same ones he had. He offered words of insight and once asked him, "What is the difference between good and great pianists?" And Paul answers himself with, "Not much, just a little". Obviously that
             ...