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Changes in Rita and Frank Between Act 1 Scene 6 and Act 2 Scene 3

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“ If you want to change, y’ have to do it from the inside, don’t y’? Know like im doin” declares Rita in act 1 scene 1. How does the playwright show the changes in Rita, and in her tutor Frank, in two key scenes of the play (1.6 and 2.3)

"Educating Rita" displays the major changes that occur in the main character, an initially narrow minded, outspoken and socially naïve Liverpudlian trapped by her working class life. Rita thinks an increase in intelligence and worldly knowledge will change this, and set her "free". She strives to change classes, and although is different from her working class peers, she still isn't ready to be accepted as middle class. She aims to reach her goal through an Open University course, yet naively thinks …show more content…

As she cannot express herself with words, she involuntarily expresses them on her face, or with gestures, unable to mask her emotions. The topics she mentions show a lot about her personality, she frequently refers to pornographic books that she has read, and a painting on the wall that she sees as "erotic". She believes that by talking about the novels she has read and the authors she knows she will make a good impression on Frank, showing him how well read she is. She doesn't realise that this is portraying quite the opposite, and that an understanding of fine literature and art is yet to be achieved.

When she enters his office, Rita treats Frank in a very informal way, almost as if he is an old friend she hasn't seen for a while. She asks quite a few personal questions, including some about Frank's relationship with his girlfriend Julia. She shows how observant she is, carefully taking in everything around her, including the painting hanging on the wall that Frank says he hasn't looked at for years. She doesn't realise that some topics are not very polite to talk about, especially with a new tutor in a formal interview. Instead, as soon she sees the picture, she immediately asks Frank, "Do you think it's erotic?" She also frequently uses inappropriate words and comments, saying, "Look at those tits!"

She discusses many topics as soon as she arrives, not only because they interest

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