Education Rita

“ Character “

Willy Russell portrays both the power and the pitfalls of knowledge in Educating Rita unbelievably well. As the story progresses, one may find it fascinating to analyse the two main characters of the play, Frank and Rita. In quite a number of ways they are similar. In many ways they are different as well.

Throughout the beginning passages, it becomes clear of Frank and Rita’s yearning for that which they do not have. In Frank’s case, it can be imagined that he is in search of an adequate partner or companion to share his life with. He is lonely and depressed; thus, giving him reason to resort to alcoholism. “It’s myself I’m not too fond of,” says Frank on page 22. The greed for power through knowledge is seen as very obvious with Rita’s statements. In response ...