Transformation In Willy Russell's Educating Rita

How do the texts you have studied explore the transition of individuals into new phases of life and new social context?
LUCY CUI

The exploration into a new phase of life and social context is exhibited through the intellectual growth of the characters through challenges brought on by social expectations and context. Willy Russell’s educating Rita explores the transitions of the characters Rita and Frank through their intellectual and emotional growth as people through the overcoming of challenges, leading to a change in attitude, views, and ideas. Shrinking women composed by Lily Myers showcases her transition into a new phase of her life through her observation of gender expectations and stereotypes present in society that are subconsciously
Ultimately Rita decides to continue with her education and further develop her ideas and perceptions signifying a new phase of her life. In educating Rita, the first phase of transformation involves Rita challenging the social norms and overcoming self-doubt. Early on in the play, Rita shows discontent with her current life "I wanna discover myself" which shows Rita's desire to peruse change and growth in her life kick starting her transition into a middle class educated woman whose got a choice. Rita sees education as a way of transforming herself and her way of moving into a new world. Rita's initially struggles with her transition as she faces challenges such as adversity from others around her inhibiting her development, her struggles is symbolized by the stage direction" I'm coming in, aren't I? It's that stupid bleeding door of yours” (Act 1 Scene 1, pg. 2) showing her initial struggle entering a new world. Challenges like Self-doubt different social context start arise when Rita's invited by Frank to a dinner at his house and Rita’s struggle to find the perfect dress for the night “I tried on five different
The first line of the poem "Across from me at the kitchen table, my mother smiles over red wine that she drinks out of a measuring glass” symbolism is used to show women restrict themselves as society and media have told us that women need to look a particular way, in this line Myers is also drawing attention to eating disorders as women and young girls restrict themselves to become the idea women painted by society and media. “ I have been taught to accommodation…I want to say: we come from differences, Jonas, you have been taught to grow out, I have been taught to grow in” uses emotive language to convey to the audience the inequality of the sexes while men are taught from birth to be confident and speak their minds women are taught to keep things to herself, shrink, become invisible and cater to men. Myers also talks about how she is aware of all these things that are happening be she couldn’t help “ Picking up all the habits my mother has unwittingly dropped like bits of crumpled paper” using emotive language she conveys grief as she knows that young women will follow their mothers lead leading to a vicious cycle as “inheritance is accidental”. By examining the issues of equality and social expectations of women Lily Myers deepens her understanding resulting in a shift of attitudes and