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Act 1 Rita Essay

Decent Essays

'The transformed character of Rita in Act 2 Scene 1 is unrecognisable from the comedic character presented to us in Act 1 Scene 1'. To what extent do you agree with this statement. Refer closely to Russell's use of Comedic anf Dramatic Devices. (You must reference to all AOs).
Although Rita acknowledges that being smart is important, she shows that her change in the play is not just learning, but through her personality too. Her education helps her overcome her working class background and for her not to follow the rold of a traditonal woman in the 1970's. Education completely changes Rita and effects her life enormously.
One of the greatest changes we see in Rita is the language she uses as the play progresses. In Act 1 Scene 1, the language …show more content…

Education was not important because women were expected to leave school and become a typical housewife. This is presented at the end of the first Act when Frank suggests that Rita finds another tutor and she replies with '...an' you're gonna bleedin' well teach me'. This is very comedic as the words she uses contrasts greatly with the acendemic and privilidged surroundings she is currently within. In this Act, her language also contrasts with Frank's. Frank is presented as a well educated, middle class university professor who's language is much more refined. An example of this is when Rita tells Frank she's 'Off his cake', even Frank, a very experienced university tutor does not understand this figure of speech. This adds humour to the scene as it reveals to the audience just how much educating Rita is going to need. Rita's language also consists of lots of swearing due to her feeling nervous and because she lacks confidence which allows the audience to empathise with her as she hasn't recieved the education in which Frank once had. Her taboo language is consistant through the first scene, such as when she sees the painting in Franks room and says 'Look at those tits', the first time she meets her professor. This

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