Educating Rita
“Transitions into new phases of life can affect perceptions of individuals and society”
“Educating Rita” a play by Willy Russell composer and play write explores how transitions are revealed through the change of perceptions of individuals and society through the two protagonists Frank and Rita. In conjunction with “Then and Now” a poem by Aboriginal activist and poet Oodergeroo Noonuccal, explores the impact of the assimilation policy on aboriginal culture.
Through characterization in the play “Educating Rita” Russell uses Rita to demonstrate the theme and difficulties faced by working class individuals transitioning into new phases of life in English class based society. These transitions can result in new knowledge and ideas, shifts in attitudes and beliefs, and give a deeper understanding of themselves and others. In Act 1 Scene 1 and 2 Russell contrasts Frank and Rita on their cultural knowledge, how they talk, act and personal interests. Rita is often frustrated by the English class system and pursues education as a medium to change her life Through contrasting Frank’s dialogue which is formal and educated language to Rita’s loud and reactive dialogue of swearing, diction, and contractions “I’m comin’ in, aren’t I ““stupid bleeding handle” reveals the difficulty in behaving in formal situations. The blocked door and handle symbolise the difficulties of surmounting cultural working class pressure to transition between classes to attain personal growth, she expresses her frustration at the confines of her world with the hyperbole “I should have a baby by now everyone expects it.” The audience becomes aware that to transition between classes one must overcome barriers created by society. Transitions require a change to develop a deepened personal growth and understanding ones’ individuality and future can lead to a range of consequences for the individual and others. Act two scene one and three are used as a foil to act one showing the small overt transformation of Rita when she returns to Frank from a break. Through the symbolic listing of Rita’s changing in act two scene one “new friends, different clothes, London, using original name Susan”, Displays her physical changes yet the subtle transition reduces the need for Frank tutelage. Tense conversations “Don’t keep treating’ me the same as when I first walked in” reveals their estranged relationship as Rita moves on and Frank becomes bitter due to his lack of growth. The relationship between Frank and Rita displays the consequences of the common human trait, having others to fully identify with however become frustrated as people transition away. Outcomes of exploring …show more content…
Listing of the artificial city “neon lights now … and advertisements now “and repetition of “now” links with the title and shows the poet’s concern, therefore, hinders the ability to transition into new society as there is no sense of connection between her people and the altered environment leaving the indigenous to feel social, culturally and physically alienated.
“Educating Rita” shows the obstacles of transitioning into a new class and “then and now “reveals effects of forcing a change in aboriginal culture .through personal exploration, Individuals transition into new phases of life and display growth by moving into the new world and discarding the past. Or in contrast venture into new worlds and social contexts to recover and hold on to lost culture from
“Transitions into new phases of life can affect perceptions of individuals and society”
“Educating Rita” a play by Willy Russell composer and play write explores how transitions are revealed through the change of perceptions of individuals and society through the two protagonists Frank and Rita. In conjunction with “Then and Now” a poem by Aboriginal activist and poet Oodergeroo Noonuccal, explores the impact of the assimilation policy on aboriginal culture.
Through characterization in the play “Educating Rita” Russell uses Rita to demonstrate the theme and difficulties faced by working class individuals transitioning into new phases of life in English class based society. These transitions can result in new knowledge and ideas, shifts in attitudes and beliefs, and give a deeper understanding of themselves and others. In Act 1 Scene 1 and 2 Russell contrasts Frank and Rita on their cultural knowledge, how they talk, act and personal interests. Rita is often frustrated by the English class system and pursues education as a medium to change her life Through contrasting Frank’s dialogue which is formal and educated language to Rita’s loud and reactive dialogue of swearing, diction, and contractions “I’m comin’ in, aren’t I ““stupid bleeding handle” reveals the difficulty in behaving in formal situations. The blocked door and handle symbolise the difficulties of surmounting cultural working class pressure to transition between classes to attain personal growth, she expresses her frustration at the confines of her world with the hyperbole “I should have a baby by now everyone expects it.” The audience becomes aware that to transition between classes one must overcome barriers created by society. Transitions require a change to develop a deepened personal growth and understanding ones’ individuality and future can lead to a range of consequences for the individual and others. Act two scene one and three are used as a foil to act one showing the small overt transformation of Rita when she returns to Frank from a break. Through the symbolic listing of Rita’s changing in act two scene one “new friends, different clothes, London, using original name Susan”, Displays her physical changes yet the subtle transition reduces the need for Frank tutelage. Tense conversations “Don’t keep treating’ me the same as when I first walked in” reveals their estranged relationship as Rita moves on and Frank becomes bitter due to his lack of growth. The relationship between Frank and Rita displays the consequences of the common human trait, having others to fully identify with however become frustrated as people transition away. Outcomes of exploring …show more content…
Listing of the artificial city “neon lights now … and advertisements now “and repetition of “now” links with the title and shows the poet’s concern, therefore, hinders the ability to transition into new society as there is no sense of connection between her people and the altered environment leaving the indigenous to feel social, culturally and physically alienated.
“Educating Rita” shows the obstacles of transitioning into a new class and “then and now “reveals effects of forcing a change in aboriginal culture .through personal exploration, Individuals transition into new phases of life and display growth by moving into the new world and discarding the past. Or in contrast venture into new worlds and social contexts to recover and hold on to lost culture from