The Changes in Frank and Rita in Act Two

The Changes in Frank and Rita in Act Two

How does Russell present the changes in Frank and Rita in act 2,

scenes 2-6?

Rita before: “Its that stupid bleed’n handle on that door, you wanna

get it fixed.” Rita now: “Frank, you’re not in any fit state for a

tutorial” Frank before: “It’s supposed to embrace a more comprehensive

studentship.” Frank now: “Pissed? I was glorious! I fell off the

rostrum twice.” As well as these changes, I will illustrate many other

dramatic changes and role reversals that have taken place between the

characters of Rita and Frank in the last few scenes of the play.

Firstly with the stage direction “RITA, WHO IS SITTING COMFORTABLY IN

THE ARMCHAIR.” Russell has shown us that Rita is now the educated

woman she first set out to be. This is clearly portrayed with the word

“ARMCHAIR” as this object symbolises cleverness itself, as well as

this by Rita being “COMFORTABLE” in this environment it shows the

audience that Rita has settled into her new life style. Because of

this they would be impressed, as Rita has gone from a common

uneducated person, to a highly educated and a very unique human being.

Russell's message here to us all is that you can achieve many things

if you just put your mind to it.

Also with Frank who is outside his own room, Russell shows him as a

very drunk, vulgar individual, “Sod them, no fuck them fuck them eh

Rita.” Firstly this shows the main role reversal of Rita and Frank.

Rita has become a highly educated character while Frank has become a

common abusive yob. So by this the audience would be disappointed in

Frank who is a professor that is thought upon as polite, well mannered

and gracious, this is a classic stereotype. Russell also suggests that

because of this certain craves in life can change your attitude (e.g.

alcohol) and make you commit things you may regret.

As well as this, with the quote “You didn’t tell me…” Russell presents

Frank as an obsessed lover. Which is a completely different register

instead of the expected teacher pupil register. Also as well as being

obsessed, it shows the audience that he wants to be with her always

and seems to never want her out of his sight. The audience would feel

uncomfortable as a teacher is so concerned by a pupil’s social life.

So by this I imagine that Russell is suggesting that fondness for

someone can come in many forms that are not thought upon at first.

To add to this, Frank uses this following quote after has offered his