Educating Rita Willy Russell and the book Piggybook by Anthony Browne Essay Example

Scene One, Rita begins her journey of transitioning between worlds by her strong desire to find herself: "You see, I don't want a baby yet. I wanna discover meself first" (Pg. 12).

Rita expresses to her teacher Frank her desire to uncover unknown abilities and develop her skills before embarking on a family life with her spouse Denny. By bringing oil to her session, Rita makes a statement against the educated society and eases access to Frank's office by lubricating the door. This act also symbolizes Rita's triumph over a physical barrier in her quest to ascend the ranks of the working class.

Located on the first floor of a Victorian university in the North of England, the setting holds significant symbolism for Rita, who longs to ascend from her working-class background to a higher one. It represents the new world she hopes to access and gain confidence in, a sentiment reinforced in Act one, Scene two when Rita declares, "I'm gunna have a room like this one day." Despite being invited to a dinner at Frank's home with other upper working-class individuals, Rita lost her self-confidence upon arriving at his front door. She ultimately retreated to her local pub where she felt more comfortable with her husband and family. Rita's insecurity stemmed from feeling out of place among her peers as reflected in her admission to Frank that she brought the wrong wine.

On page 45, Frank expressed to Rita that he invited her because he desired her company. If she could not accept that, he recommended seeking help for her paranoia instead of continuing to visit him. This confrontation displays Frank's appreciation for Rita's differences, whereas

Rita wishes to eliminate them.

Anthony Browne's ‘Piggybook’ similarly portrays the idea of facing society when entering the real world. Tired of the domestic chores for her husband and sons, Mrs Piggott ventured into the real world to explore what she had been missing. Although Mr Piggott and their sons were introduced on the first page, Mrs Piggott was excluded.

The text highlights that Mrs Piggott was neglected by Mr Piggott and the two boys, resulting in her being confined to her home with no social life. This portrayal was exemplified in the dark and dreary illustrations of her face that suggested a lack of recognition. Furthermore, Mrs Piggott's actions and demeanor suggested depression due to being treated like a servant by the three boys, as evidenced by their frequent demands for breakfast. However, when she left a note calling them "pigs," a transformation occurred.

The illustrations depicted the three boys with a somber and gloomy tone, and highlighted them as being the three little pigs as everything turned into swine. Mrs. Piggott found a new sense of recognition in this world. On page 22, an illustration portrayed Mrs. Piggott as contented and confident, standing with her arm on her hip while Mr. Piggott and the two boys were portrayed on their hands and knees, imploring for her return as their mother and wife.

It is evident that Mrs Piggott holds significant influence over the three boys who were begging. When she accepted them back, the family worked together to thrive in the working-class world by assisting each other around the house, showing respect for Mrs Piggott and giving her ample time to herself.

Furthermore, the initial scene immediately portrays Frank's discontent with his existence, as evidenced by the hidden whisky in a bookcase indicating a potential issue with alcohol consumption.

Frank admits to Rita that he is a terrible teacher to terrible students and he has an unsatisfactory personal life. He copes with his negative emotions by drinking. Despite his wit, kindness, and talent, he feels uncomfortable with Rita’s transformation after summer school. He becomes jealous when she talks about going to France with Tyson and others because he thinks there's no point in working on an essay if she is likely to fall in love and leave. Rita is upset that she started working at the bistro without telling Frank and left hairdressing behind. This makes Frank realize that he has lost his importance in Rita's life, which saddens him greatly.

"On page 64 you said you told me everything" is what struck me. Rita's attitude towards the character develops as the play progresses. Initially, she thinks he is incredibly intelligent and a wild drinker, and she trusts him to teach her "everything". She is amazed that he writes poetry and asks if he is a renowned poet.

As Rita gains confidence in her new world, she becomes increasingly critical of how Frank wastes his talents and opportunities by drinking his life away. She urges him to stop pouring alcohol down his throat and start talking about things that matter. In contrast, Frank never attempts to challenge his educated society and remains confined within his environment. This is symbolized by his lack of movement outside, as demonstrated by the stuck window that Rita tries to open for fresh air.

It is only at the end of the play that Frank acknowledges his meaningless existence in the educated world. Rita even suggests conducting their tutorial on the lawn, but Frank seems resistant to leaving his comfort zone.

After attending summer school, she gained more confidence and no longer felt intimidated by the "real" students. However, when she suggested to Frank that they open the window in an attempt to change their routine and environment, it wouldn't budge from years of being closed. This inability to open the window is a poignant symbol of Frank's life. As the book states, "I’m not surprised dear, It hasn’t been opened for generations” (Page 58).

The symbol for Frank's life is powerful as he cannot leave his disappointing and frustrating world until external circumstances force him to transform.