The concept and meaning "Into the World" are portrayed in both the play "Educating Rita" by Willy Russell and the film "Muriel's Wedding" by P. J. Hogan. These artistic works explore the stages of growing up and maturation, which can be seen as a transition into the next stage of life. Throughout this transitional journey, individuals face challenges and consequences that provide both positive and negative experiences. One may encounter barriers and problems when attempting to move into the world, and overcoming these obstacles can be a demanding task.
Moving into the world can be a challenging and difficult transition due to the various ups and downs. Rita and Frank, the two main characters, experience a significant transformation involving personal growth. In Act 1 Scene 1, Rita expresses her strong desire to learn in the c
...ourse. She states, "because I wanna know," to which Frank responds by asking what she wants to know. Rita replies with "Everything," indicating the start of a new phase in her life characterized by an open attitude towards change. This phase also signifies the beginning of a new direction for both Rita and Frank.
Rita believes that education is the path to personal growth, freedom of choice, and a better life. However, her husband Denny's act of burning all her Chekhov books signifies his disapproval of Rita's pursuit of "life" through education. This action also reveals Denny's desperate desire to maintain the old Rita and illustrates how the transformation of Rita into an educated woman scares those close to her. In Act 1 Scene 7, during a conversation with Frank about why she didn't attend a dinner party he invited her to
Rita describes herself as a "freak" who can no longer connect with the people she lives with.
The text illustrates the challenges faced by an individual who desires to explore new opportunities in society. Rita, feeling like an outsider due to her mixed heritage, finds it difficult to communicate with those around her. This situation further motivates her to pursue education. In Act 1 Scene 8, Rita shares an incident where her partner, Denny, gives her an ultimatum: she must either end her visits to further her education or leave their relationship altogether.
This emphasizes the personal sacrifice Rita made in her quest to become an educated woman. By attending summer school, she achieved a complete education and lessened her dependence on Frank as her mentor. Rita's transformation is now fully realized. In the film 'Muriel's Wedding,' the protagonist Muriel is compelled to undergo a transformative journey in order to start a new phase of her life. At a family dinner, Muriel's father Bill declares, "you're useless, you're all useless," indicating that she must make a change.
The camera focuses on Muriel's furious expression as she reacts to her father's remarks. Afterwards, she visits a nightclub with her wedding friends to discuss Tania's honeymoon. However, her companions express their wish to separate themselves from Muriel, citing reasons such as her improper attire, weight issues, and preference for 70's music during the 90's. They argue that she is a burden and causes them embarrassment. In response, Muriel acknowledges that she is aware of her differences but is making an effort to transform herself into someone more akin to them.
The text suggests that the protagonist is making an effort
to adapt and find a romantic partner. The camera focuses on her face while she is crying to convey her emotions. Muriel decides to go on a vacation to escape her current situation and begin anew, where she encounters her old friend Rhonda. Consequently, Muriel chooses to move in with Rhonda in Sydney and alters her name to 'Mariel'. Additionally, she secures a job at a nearby video store, conveniently located across from Rhonda's workplace. This demonstrates Muriel's transformation, as she previously stated, "When I lived in Porpoise Spit, no one looked at me."
When I moved to Sydney, Brice asked me out, which demonstrates that I have changed and am no longer the same person as before.
"Her?" Muriel exclaimed.
"Muriel! Muriel Heslop. Stupid, fat and useless. I hate her! I'm never going back to being her again! Why can't it be me? Why can't I be the one?" Rhonda said.
Muriel stated that this signifies a new phase in her life, indicating a change in attitude. This phase also signifies the start of a new direction for Muriel. To enter "into the world," Muriel alters her appearance and loses weight; she also meets someone and goes on her first date.
In Willy Russell's play 'Educating Rita', the camera focuses on Muriel, who says "this is my new life, I'm a new person." This implies that Muriel's transformation is nearly complete and she has gained more self-assurance in her newfound way of life. Similarly, the play conveys the effects of stepping into a new world as Rita must decide between staying with Denny to have a baby or divorcing him in order to pursue her education. Similarly, in
P. J. Hogan's film 'Muriel's Wedding', Muriel experiences consequences when she moves away from her family in order to bring about change.
