It can be said that Goldworthy uses different settings to reinforce different themes in the novel. These themes intertwine to link together. Darwin reinforces maturing from a teenager into an adult, Adelaide deals with learning to accept weaknesses and Vienna deals with the difference between impressions and reality. Although these themes are dealt with throughout the novel, each setting acts on reinforcing particular themes.

Darwin represents Paul's maturing from a vulnerable adolescent into a confident young man. He uses his arrogance, intellectual ability and musical talent to cope with the challenges that face him and make his last years of high school socially easier. His relationship with Rosie provides him with the confidence to demonstrate his musical abilities confidently to the three boys who had in the past given him a hard time in school: Scotty Mitchell, Reggie Lim and Jimmy Papas.

Once he is socially higher, the girl he used to dream about : Megan suddenly take interests in him. After experimenting with her he realises that he

Even so, later on Paul decides to take a chance for "a big break" and travel overseas, foolishly, unrealistically, still full of unrealistic dreams. However, this is important as eventually the whole experience leads him to Vienna.

Keller plays a big role in the growth and maturity of Paul. he senses Paul's arrogance, seeing this as a barrier in achieving his goal and so cleverly decides to humiliate him by making him play The children's bach and teaching him to never be satisfied until he is the top. He also keeps reminding Paul of his limitations.

Finally when Paul returns to what he now refers to as "the new Darwin" because of its changed physical state - perhaps symbolising the changed emotional state as well, all his dreams of becoming a pianist vanish and he completely leaves his past and Childhood behind. Keller's death and revisiting Darwin lets him let go of his past. Paul finally accepts that he was a normal person, who had limitations and accepts his past for what it was.

".....pedalled to Rosie's house. I wasn't so much guilty. I was terrified. Terrified that I might lose her." (p.81)

Endlessly, effortlessly. " (p.149)

Some topics in this essay:
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