Exploring How the Characters of Frank and Rita Change Throughout Willy Russell's Educating Rita

Exploring How the Characters of Frank and Rita Change Throughout Willy Russell's Educating Rita

Willy Russell wrote educating Rita, and whilst it is not

autobiographical, it is based on his own life and experiences.

After a miserable time at school Willy Russell tried a variety of

jobs, but eventually settled for being a ladies' hairdresser. Like

Rita, he was determined to become educated and so he studied for a

degree with the Open University and became an educated writer.

In the first scene the audience is introduced to Frank who is

seemingly searching for a misplaced novel (typical of all teachers you

might say!). However, it doesn't take long for that illusion to

disappear as we find that he is only trying to remember which book he

had hidden his whiskey behind!

This straight away gives us a sense of how dependant he is on alcohol.

Russell gives us an insight into Frank's private life very early on

when in the first scene the phone rings and he is speaking to his

partner Julia. It is clear from the conversation that they are not in

a healthy relationship as he is very rude to her and chooses a trip to

the pub over her company at dinner. He uses phrases like "I don't need

determination to get me to the pub". This quote suggests that he is

not ashamed of his drink problem as he makes a joke out of Julia's

comments. It also shows a lack of respect towards her. Frank is feed

up.

Frank also clearly hates the students, as he is isolated from them.

The door handle to his room is rusty, stiff and difficult to open. The

window is also difficult to open, and when talking to Rita he says how

he would love to throw a student thr...

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... Rita does well in her exam and can now choose to change her lifestyle

if she wishes to. She finally realises that education is about choices

and we are left optimistic about her future.

However, the same cannot be said of Frank. The fact that he tries to

persuade Rita to come with him to Australia suggests that he is unable

to let her go and start her life afresh. It is now Frank who relies on

Rita!

The play is unique as it ends in both a happy and tragic way. We are

inclined to believe that Frank will continue to be the same drunken

lecturer that he was at the start of the play, whereas for Rita the

future is bright and promising as she finally realises that education

is not about what clothes to wear or how to behave, but it is about

choices and having full control over your life and the path you will

take.