Russells Treatment of Self-Discovery in Educating Rita :: English Literature

Russells Treatment of Self-Discovery in Educating Rita(A) RITA See, I dont want a baby yet. See, I wanna discover meselffirst. Do you take cargon that?Write about Russells treatment of self-discovery and of itsimportance in the lives of the plays characters.The idea of self-discovery is a theme that runs throughout EducatingRita, demonstrating how it can be a personal mission as well as anaccidental achievement in career. Both andiron and Rita, as well as theother, more minor characters, embark on this journeying as Rita beginsher Open University course.When Rita begins her the English Literature course, she is raring togo and wants to know everything. She also puts in words, herpersonal desire for self-discovery. I wanna discover meself. Ritaknew from the beginning that she was on a mission and knew where shewas going.Frank on the other hand, is quite content with his way of life andfinds the idea of a silly womans attempts to get into the mind of henry James highly amusing alth ough it does interrupt the monotony ofhis potentially extremely boring and predictive lifestyle.Russell demonstrates the idea of self-discovery through Rita byshowing the way in which Rita has progressed during the play. At thebeginning, Rita is the innocent student who wants choices. She feelsthat she will be able to escape from the vicious circle that exists inworking class society.The first signs of Ritas discovery are shown through her actions. Herfirst overtake is a forced entry into the office of Frank, whilst onher second visit she oils the door to make it easier for her to enter.Eventually, Russell no longer shows her entrance into the office buthas her already there when the scene begins.Frank, shows less signs of self-discovery although he does in factdiscover rather a lot about himself because of Rita. Frank has adrinking habit that he acknowledges but he does hide the signs of itand when Rita thinks shes reformed him he finds it highly amusing.Although Frank does not in fact give notice drinking, he does get worse andit is the ultimate reason for his sabbatical to Australia. On theother hand, Franks relationship with his former student Juliadisintegrates as his fondness for Rita grows. Russell does this toshow how the life of the teacher who is apparently stuck in a rut isalso changing.The areas that Rita studies show how she has progressed. When shebegins to form her own ideas which would hold their own in anexamination, Frank doesnt appreciate it, he thinks that the progress