Transition In Willy Russell's Educating Rita

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Transition is the process or period in which someone undergoes a change and passes from one stage to another. Within this time the individual is exposed to new experiences that allow them to grow in maturity and develop a broader understanding of themselves and others. The transitional pathways into such new worlds is not, however, an easy one and, paradoxically, in order to achieve this individual freedom, there comes an understanding and acceptance that there will still be limitations to face. Willy Russell’s 1980’s comedic play “Educating Rita” portrays a young adult Rita, who longs to find her place in society. Through the character of Rita and her mentor Frank, Russell explores the major themes relationships and self-development. Similarly…show more content…
However, through Rita’s character, Russell continues to demonstrate to the audience the discontent his character Frank endures due to Rita’s lack of dependence as she grows. Rita’s transition is strived for and she is motivated to make her change regardless of the cost. This motivation results in a level of optimism that revolves around Rita’s transition process, as she is willing to push through the hard times in hope of achieving her final goal. On the contrary, Frank’s transition within the play is forced. He simply changes as a result of his relationship with Rita. Rita states: “y’need air in here frank. The room needs airing (she goes and opens the door), Frank: “this room does not need air thank you very much.” Frank is boxed in, he needs air. Frank refers to Rita as a ‘breath of fresh air’, indicating that through their developed relationship Rita has also managed to change his stale world and ‘force’ him to change. Similarly this idea is also witnessed in the poem “the door”, where Miroslav states: “Go and open the door. Maybe outside there’s a tree, or a wood, a garden…”. The poet is demanding the reader to leave their current environment. This links with “Educating Rita”, when Rita attempts to drag Frank outside and states: “come on let’s go an’ have a tutorial down there.” But Frank makes a reference to Dracula stating: “Like Dracula, I have an aversion to sunlight”. This…show more content…
The short story “A descent into the Maelstrom” by Edgar Allan Poe portrays a significant context of what defines the similar transitions between his character and Willy Russell’s, Rita. Poe’s tale follows an old man who reveals that he only appears old - "You suppose me a very old man, but I am not. It took less than a single day to change these hairs from a jetty black to white...”. It is evident that although the passing of time is very little, what the persona has seen within this time has impacted immensely on who he has become, hence the development of maturity. The notion which helps readers perceive Poe’s message comes about not only through the passing of time, but also the use of second person. This allows readers to comprehend the message being aimed at them, for which they come to the realisation of the characters change, as also in Rita’s character once she develops a new
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