How the characters of Frank and Rita change throughout the play Essay Example

have been acquainted for years. We almost forget that Rita is there for an interview! Despite this, Rita feels at ease with Frank, and he perceives her as a refreshing change of pace.

Rita admires Frank and desires to become a sophisticated, well-educated woman. She is determined to transform herself. However, Rita is somewhat naive when she criticizes others for going to the hairdresser with the intention of becoming someone else, as she herself desires to go into the University and emerge as a completely different person.

Rita and Frank establish an immediate connection. This is evident when Frank declines to teach Rita, as he believes she deserves a more competent tutor, but Rita insists on Frank becoming her mentor.

They are the ultimate odd couple, originating from contrasting backgrounds and cultures, yet sharing a common similarity - they both feel disconnected from their own communities. Rita rejects the monotonous life in Liverpool, while Frank has grown weary of his students, colleagues, and the entire educational system.

In scene two, there are indications of the progress in their relationship. Initially, the scene begins with Rita oiling the door, which symbolizes her strong commitment to pursuing education. Rita is captivated by Frank and holds him in high regard, particularly admiring his sophistication. This is evident when she praises Frank's decorating skills, even though he did not put any effort into it.

Rita expresses worry about Frank's drinking habits, but then becomes optimistic, hoping that it's because of something she said. However, Frank dismisses this idea promptly to assert his control. Meanwhile, Rita quickly reverses her opinion and emphasizes that she has no intention of changing him. "Feel free to do whatever

you want", she declares.

I will analyze the shift of control and power from Frank to Rita in this essay as I believe it is the central issue in their relationship.

Despite Rita's determination to succeed, she clearly faces early struggles, as evidenced by her poorly written essay. She lacks any prior experience in passing written tests. In addition to her own challenges, there are more significant barriers hindering her progress, particularly Denny's opposition to her pursuit of education at University. This conflict reaches its peak in scene 5 when Denny destroys all of Rita's work and books upon learning that she is taking contraceptive pills. However, this adversity does not diminish Rita's thirst for knowledge, which she describes as "The thing that gets her through the week". Once again, this highlights Frank's influence over her and her unwavering determination to become educated.

Scene 7 serves as a pivotal moment highlighting the cultural disparities between Frank and Rita. Rita's absence from Frank's formal party was due to her uncertainty regarding the appropriate wine selection, attire, and conversational topics. These were all areas she anticipated improving through her pursuit of education.

Nevertheless, in scene 8 of the play, Rita makes a significant breakthrough by prioritizing Frank and her education instead of continuing her relationship with Denny. This moment signifies her genuine determination to escape from her current life and seek transformation. Consequently, Rita embarks on a journey to attend summer school without any existing obligations.

The turning point in their relationship is not depicted in a scene of the play, but rather occurs during Rita's time in summer school. This transformation is significant because it results in Rita becoming more

confident, mature, and skilled in socializing. Act 2 provides an understanding of the significant changes that Rita has experienced due to her attendance at summer school. The clothing she now wears symbolizes these changes since earlier in the play she had expressed that she would only purchase a new dress once she had become educated.

Rita's increased independence and resistance to telling jokes, which had been a part of her character in the past, can be attributed to her decision to move in with Trish, a sophisticated and formal woman.

Rita has stopped depending on Frank and now shows up late for tutorials, engaging in conversations with other students, which was previously out of character for her. She questions Frank's literary views and does not inform him about her career change from being a hairdresser to working at a Bistro.

Frank is expressing his disappointment in Rita upon her return, as he believes she has lost her sense of identity. It is evident to me that the power dynamics have shifted. In response, Frank reverts back to his previous drinking habits, leading to a point where he gives a drunken lecture. During this time, Rita aligns herself with the students, further indicating the deterioration of her relationship with Frank.

"It's unfair to the students if the lecturer is so drunk that he's falling off the podium," remarks Rita, who grows distant from Frank as she becomes closer to her peers. Additionally, it is worth noting that Rita now possesses the ability to write essays at an exam level and is on par academically with her fellow students. Furthermore, completing her transformation, Rita decides to revert back

to her birth name, Susan.

By the end of the play, Rita becomes more experienced and confident, no longer hesitant to criticize Frank and his actions. She had never viewed him as a sexual partner and comes to understand that Frank is attempting to manipulate and dominate her. Furthermore, she recognizes his dissatisfaction when he realizes he cannot exert control over her.

Rita’s successful exam performance grants her the opportunity to alter her way of life should she desire. This realization signifies that education entails making choices, leading us to feel hopeful for what lies ahead.

However, Frank is unable to let Rita go and start her life anew. His attempt to persuade her to accompany him to Australia indicates his reliance on her. The play's ending is both happy and tragic. We assume that Frank will remain the same intoxicated lecturer he was at the beginning, while Rita's future appears bright and promising. She has come to realize that education is not about appearance or behavior, but about making choices and taking control of one's life and direction.