Changes in Rita and Frank in Education Rita Essay -- Education Rita Li

Changes in Rita and Frank in Education Rita Discuss the ways in which Russell portrays the changes and developments in the characters of Rita and Frank in Act 1 Scene 1 and Act 2 scene 1 Drama (post 1914) Discuss the ways in which Russell portrays the changes and developments in the characters of Rita and Frank in Act 1 Scene 1 and Act 2 scene 1 of ‘Educating Rita’. ‘Educating Rita’ is a play written by the British author Willy Russell. It is set in Liverpool around the 1980’s. It explores the themes of education, poverty and working class life. The play is based on Rita’s enthusiasm and determination to be educated. Rita undergoes her course at the Open University. Here she meets her tutor Frank and it is here their plutonic relationship blossoms. This is what occurs in Act 1 scene 1. In Act 2 scene 1 the relationship contrasts from that of the previous act. Although they have this friendly love, Frank becomes jealous of Rita. This is because when Rita returns from her summer school she is a new woman. She is more educated, has acquired new clothes and her accent has changed. The play is structured in two acts. It has eight scenes in the first act and seven scenes in the second act. The first scene of act one is set in Frank’s office at the Open University. There is a large bay window at the left of his room and a small desk positioned in front of it. In the centre of the room there is a larger desk covered with books and papers. The walls are also lined with books. On one wall hangs a nude religious scene. The way in which the scene is set gives the reader a first impression that Frank is a disorganised person. Yet when we see all the books we assume that he is an intelligent person too. ... ... what she thinks when she tells him she is disappointed that he is still drinking after the summer. This is different to Act 1 scene 1 when Rita would only agree with what Frank would say. Rita entered the play as a clumsy and uneducated woman and has come through to Act 2 scene 1 as an educated and independent woman. Willy Russell has portrayed the changes in Rita by giving her a new outlook on life and a new education. Frank was very intrigued when he first met Rita in Act one Scene one, but now he is jealous of the changes that have occurred during the summer break and brought her into his office in Act 2 Scene 1 as a fresh, self confident woman. Willy Russell has portrayed the changes in Frank in a very clever way. Although he never directly refers to the changes all you have to do is look back and compare the two acts and the changes are obvious.