Module: Into the World Prescribed Text: Educating Rita

Act 1 Comprehension Questions and Important Ideas........................................................................... 2 Important quotes from Act 1, Scene 1:................................................................................................... 3 Important quotes from Act 1, Scene 2:................................................................................................... 6 Educating Rita Quotes Quiz .................................................................................................................... 7 Educating Rita Quotes Cloze Quiz ........................................................................................................... 8 Act 2 Comprehension Questions .......................................................................................................... 17 Challenges/Obstacles that Frank and Rita encounter .......................................................................... 26 Rewards : Frank and Rita ...................................................................................................................... 27 List of Quotes for Frank and Rita .......................................................................................................... 28 Frank ..................................................................................................................................................... 28 Rita: ....................................................................................................................................................... 29

Educating Rita
Into the World
Act 1 Comprehension Questions and Important Ideas
Act 1, Scene 1 Comprehension 1-14
1. What can we deduce about Franks character and attitude to his job by his hiding the alcohol hidden behind literature? 2. What is Franks attitude towards his girlfriend Julia? Provide a quote that supports your opinion. 3. Describe the interaction between Frank and Rita in Scene 1. 4. Franks says of the painting I dont think I have looked at it for about ten years, but yes, I suppose it is [erotic}. What conclusion can we make about Frank not having noticed the painting for ten years? (think about the module Into the World) 5. Why is Frank taking an Open University student? 6. How does Rita describe students who attend the ordinary students? 7. What does Rita want from her education? Give a quote that supports your answer. 8. Rita talks about change. Where does she say change occurs? Give a quote to support your answer. 9. Frank and Rita mention obstacles that they face in their lives. What are these obstacles? Give a quote to support your opinion. 10. What is your first impression of Frank and Rita? Give evidence for this opinion. (1 paragraph for each)

Important Ideas in Act 1 Scene 1:

1. Symbolism of the door and room, desire for education to change ones world and find oneself, self-loathing, haircut Symbolism is very important in this play. During each scene note down any new symbols and the recurrence of existing ones. You should be able to readily interpret the symbols in your extended responses. 1. Explain the symbolism of the door. Look for this symbol reoccurring in Act 1, Scene 2. 2. Rita says in Scene 1 that she loves the room. Why might Rita love the room that Frank clearly has no payed much attention do? What worlds does this room represent? 3. What is self-loathing? Does this apply to Frank or Rita or both? Explain your opinion and give evidence in quotes to support your answer. 4. Rita desires to change her world. What is the answer that she is seeking? 5. Why does Rita offer Frank a haircut? 9dead perverted 3, dead quiet, Examples of Ritas language dead serious, dead surprised take note where in the play Frank imitates these expressions. While reading list all Ritas dead expressions

Important quotes from Act 1, Scene 1:

Quote Context and Meaning

thats no good always meaning to is it?...and you wont be able to get out p. 2

an y call it rubbish cos thats what it looks like? Cos y dont understand

God whats it like to be free

But if y want to change y have to do it from the inside dont y? p.11

I think youre the first breath of fresh air that has been in this room for years p.11

Ive been realizin for ages that I was, y know slightly out of stepSee I wanna discover meself first p.12

Suggested Answers 1. Hides his addiction behind a faade of learning. Come to a realisation that his position, he is cynical about his world. Full of self-loathing. 2. Many quotes possible general idea of indifference patronising attitude. Pop off and put your head in the oven. 3. Discuss concept of status high/low. Who is high and who is low? Frank is unsettled by Rita as she is unorthodox. 4. His world (the room) ignorance of his surroundings, hasnt reflected on his life, drinks to escape his life, stuck and uninspired in his work he is doing nothing except scraping through. 5. Needs the money 6. Real students 7. She wants to understand/see or to be set free. P6/7 8. You have to do it from the inside 9. Rita background/husband. P12. Frank self. p.13 10. Answers vary Ideas and Symbols 1. Door opportunity Rita is bursting through, struggling to get into the educated world 2. Room represents the academic and intellectual world that Rita wishes to belong to. Frank is stuck and uninspired in it. 3. Mostly to Frank. P.13 4. She believes that education is the key to her moving into the world.

Act 1, Scene 2 Comprehension p14-23

1. How do we know that Frank is waiting for Rita at the beginning of Scene 2? 2. What is significant about Rita fixing the door? What does she realise about Frank? How does this connect with Frank and the concept of Into the World? 3. Rita expresses a desire to have a room like Franks one day. Why? 4. Who does Rita connect the lawn with? 5. Why didnt Rita become a proper student? What were the obstacles she encountered? 6. Give a quote where Rita compares internal change and external change? What conclusions does she draw about external changes? 7. Franks speaks explicitly about his self-loathing. Write the quote that demonstrates this. 8. What does Frank mean when he says to Rita that possessing a hungry mind is not, in itself, a guarantee for success? P.23 9. What is the problem that keeps occurring during the tutorial? Important ideas and Symbols 1. Internal and external change, the dress, obstacles that Rita faces, the door, the grass,

Important quotes from Act 1, Scene 2:

Quote Context and Meaning

I was just oilin it for y, I knew you wouldnt get round to it p.15

If Id started taking school seriously, I would have had to become different from me mates, an thats not allowed p.17 By your mates, by your family, by everyone p.17

y have to decide whether its gonna be another change of dress or a change in yourself p.18

I like her enormously its myself Im not too fond of p.22 theres less to me than meets the eye p.22

possessing a hungry mind is not, in itself, a guarantee for success p.23

Educating Rita Quotes Quiz

Name: Write 10 quotes from the play in the space below 1. __________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. __________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ 5. __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ 6. ________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ 7. _________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ 8. _________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ 9. __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ 10. _____________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Total: /10

Educating Rita Quotes Cloze Quiz

Complete the quotes given below 1. Possessing a ________________________________________________________________

2. y have to decide whether_____________________________________________________

3. If Id started taking school seriously______________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

4. By your mates_______________________________________________________________

5. __________________________________________ I knew you wouldnt get round to it

6. But if you want______________________________________________________________

7. I think youre the first_________________________________________________________

8. ___________________________________________________ cos you dont understand

9. Ive been realizin for ages that__________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

10. ___________________________________________________________________________

_____________you wont be able to get out

Act 1 Scene 3 Comprehension p24-26

1. What is the main problem with Ritas essay? 2. Frank says Rita mentioned in her essay a novel called Sons and Lovers. Who wrote this novel? Why is this in her favour? 3. What lesson does Rita learn in this scene?

Act 1 Scene 4 Comprehension p.26-32

Dead busy, dead narked, dead interested 1. Why does Rita write her essays at work? What is the challenge/obstacle that she is enduring? 2. Frank says that there is an accepted ritual, its a game, with rules and you must observe those rules when speaking about succeeding in extended response writing? What are those rules that Frank has mentioned thus far and that you currently personally know? 3. What is the disease that Rita is talking about in her long speech on page 30? 4. Why does Denny hate Rita going to Open University? 5. Why didnt Frank just tell Rita the answers? How does this connect to Into the world? 6. Find five (5) quotes from these two scenes and complete the table as done previously.

Important quotes from Act 1, Scene 3 and 4: Quote Context and Meaning

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Act 1 Scene 5 Comprehension p.32-38

1. What obstacle do we learn about Rita facing in this scene? 2. What reason does Rita give for being too busy to have an affair? 3. Denny says to Rita that I wouldnt put it past you to shack up with a foreigner. What has he misunderstood? 4. What does Rita say about the person Denny married? 5. What does Rita say she is gaining from the course? 6. Why does Frank drink? Synthesis 1. Create a list of the things that Frank and Rita have in common. For example unstable relationship etc. 2. Create a table that identifies all the challenges that Rita and Frank have to face individually? Which of the two do you think has the more difficult challenges to face? Dead excited

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Important quotes from Act 1, Scene 5: Quote Context and Meaning

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Act 1 Scene 6 Comprehension p.38-42

1. What play did Rita see? 2. Discuss the meaning of the quote that she recites. 3.

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Quotes

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Act 1 Scene 7 and 8 Comprehension p.43-48

1. Why didnt Rita turn up to Franks place for dinner? 2. How does Rita feel about herself at this point in the play? Give at least quotes to support your opinion. 3. What does Rita decide at the pub? P.45 4. Why do you think her mothers dramatic changes impacted Ritas decision? 5. What ultimatum occurred in scene 8? 6. What is the problem with Ritas Macbeth essay? How does Frank feel about it? P.47 48 7. What is the warning that Frank gives Rita about passing exams? 8. What kind of attitude does Rita demonstrate at the end of Act 1?

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Important Quotes from Act 1 Scenes 7 and 8

Quote Context and Meaning

But I dont want to be myself. Me? Whats me?

Im a freak. I cant talk to the people I live with anymoreor them out there cause I cant learn the language. Im a half-caste p.45

and I stood in that pub an thought, just what the frig am I trying to do? Why dont I just pack it in an stay with them, an join in the singing p.45

to pass examinations, youre going to have to suppress, perhaps even abandon your uniqueness. Im going to have to change you

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Act 2 Comprehension Questions

Act 2, Scene 1 Comprehension (dead scared, dead clever, dead familiar, dead classy, dead unpretentious, dead good, dead happy) 1. What is Frank doing at the beginning of Act 2? (Look at the stage directions). What does this indicate about him? 2. Why is Frank writing poetry? What might his poetry be about? 3. What is new about Rita when she enters? What does this indicate? 4. Why does Rita want to sit on the grass? 5. Has Frank started reforming himself? Explain your opinion. 6. What prevents the tutorial from occurring? 7. Drags out of chair/wont budge QUESTION HERE Brief suggested Answers 1. Writing poetry. Suggestions of inspiration, change, moving back into his world of literature, writing, teaching etc 2. Rita has inspired him. It might be about her. (Answers vary) 3. Second hand clothes. She said she would buy a new dress until she passed her exams. This is a way around this issue. It is not new but it is new for her. Indicates a change in personality as well as a shift in ideals 4. To be a proper student. She begins to demonstrate that she needs more than Frank can give her. She needs and wants more air 5. Yes/No he admits that when she is not around he is hopeless (essentially). Not a true reformation just yet. 6. Rita has already done the work. Looking deeper 1. How is Franks behaviour different from earlier in the play. Compare how Rita enters and Franks behaviour in each of the earlier scenes. 2. The grass is a symbol of what? 3. What is the meaning behind Rita wanting to open the window and bring more air in? (Remember what Frank says about Rita in Act 1, Scene 1)
4. Look at page 52 where Rita tries to get Frank to go outside. What is symbolic about this exchange?

5. How satisfying is the resolution at the end of the scene. 6. Identify factors in this scene that begin to demonstrate Franks diminishing influence on Rita? Brief suggested Answers

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1. Rita gives Frank her coat and he hangs it up. Every other occasion until now she has hung her coat up. Indentifies the change in the power relationship between the two characters 2. Being a proper student 3. More inspiration. 4. Creates tension. Many things unsaid nothing achieved for any character 5. Entrance, coat, blake, grass, chair Act 2, Scene 2 Comprehension 1. Why is Rita talking in a different voice? What does this illustrate about her growth or decay as a character? 2. What expression does Frank use at the end of the play? What is the significance of this with regard to Frank and Rita? 3. What is on Ritas back? How does this connect to Act 1, Scene 7? What does this represent her becoming?

Act 2, Scene 3 Comprehension 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Why is Frank unravelling? What do you think is the catalyst for this? What is the problem that Frank has with Ritas essay? Who is the high status character in this scene? What does Rita assert that she can do now? Whose opinions have changed the most at this point of the play. Justify your response? 6. A role reversal has begun to occur in the play. What is it? Act 2 Scene 4 Comprehension 1. How has Rita and Frank relationship changed? List all the evidence for this change. 2. Rita says to Frank theyre not trapped theyre too young for that. And I like to be with them. What is the implied criticism here? 3. How accurate are Ritas perceptions of Frank? Justify your opinion with reference to the play. Act 2 Scene 5 Comprehension 1. 2. 3. 4. What is it about Rita that distresses Frank so much? Explain the allusion to Mary Shelley? Why does Frank suggest those three particular names at the end of the scene? Write down three important quotes from this scene.

Act 2 Scene 7 Comprehension

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1. In what ways has education changed Rita for the better, and in what ways has it had a negative effect? 2. What has getting to know Rita taught Frank? 3. How do you respond to the end of the play? Is it an optimistic conclusion, a cosy one, an anti-climax, a disturbing final note. How would you have ended the play? 4. What is significant about the gifts that Frank and Rita exchange? 5. Select three important quotes from this scene that relate to the module Into the World.

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Important quotes from Act 2 Quote Context and Meaning

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Post Reading Activities 1. Hot seat the characters Frank and Rita. 2. Write Ritas letter of application to Open University. Make sure you include reference to the play (quotes) in your response. 3. In groups of two or three select extracts from the play that indicate Franks growing unease with Rita Then hot seat Frank or Rita and share with your group. 4. IN pairs take on the role of Denny and a friend he trusts. Have Denny explain the problems Rita is giving him and the advice given by his friend. 5. Freeze Frames Create a series of freeze frames based on the play and the symbolism used. Think about all the window incidents (office, dinner party, pub). How are these scenes different? How can you demonstrate Ritas isolation

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Post Reading Activities 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Parallels between the scenes Symbolism/Change of status? HOW drama is created? (conflict/status/etc) Rewards, Obstacles, Challenges Past Paper Questions HSC samples Quote test/ Main ideas in text test Workplace text types Related Material

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Teacher Copy of parallels between the scenes

Act 1 Scene 1 Scene 2
Franks says of Rita:
First breath of fresh air that has been in this room for years p.11 Rita talking about her desire to be a proper student I love that lawn down there. When its summer do they sit on it? The ones who come here all the time. The proper students p16. you have to learn criticism p.18

Act 2
Rita says to Frank:
Y need air in here, Frank. The room needs airing p. 53 Frank asks Rita why she has grass on her. Acting like a proper student Yeh. I got her early today. I started talking to some students down on the lawn p.57

Scene 3

Oh it erm wouldnt look out of place with these p.59 (proper essay/learnt criticism) Frank told Rita to reference to other authors. Rita references pulp fiction Conflict between Frank and Rita regarding consulting recognised authors. Frank discusses with Rita that not all books are literature. She authorities. Eventual discussion about the first book that Rita needs to do more than devour pulp fiction. She eventually decides to never mentioned in Act 1 Rubyfruit Jungle. Reversal of Roles Rita teaches read pulp again. Frank

-But theyre all books arent they?

-Yes. Yes. But you seem to be under the impression that all books are literature. P.25 Right. Thats it, Ill never read a Robbins novel again p.26

(Rita) Youre still treating me as though Im hung up on Rubyfruit

Jungle (Frank) I got around to reading it you know, Ruby Fruit Jungle. Its excellent. (Rita) Oh go way, Frank. Of its type its quite interesting. But its hardly excellent. P.63 Rita arrives late to class P67 Ritas opinion on Franks poetry. She says its brilliant, he says it is crap.

Scene 4 Scene 5

One line essay no time at home or work. Denny wont let her do it at home Discusses Frank and poetry and why he stopped writing p.35. He says he got it wrong.

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Find parallel ideas in the corresponding scenes to Act 1 in Act 2

Act 1 Scene 1
Franks says of Rita:
First breath of fresh air that has been in this room for years p.11

Act 2

Scene 2

Rita talking about her desire to be a proper student I love that lawn down there. When its summer do they sit on it? The ones who come here all the time. The proper students p16. you have to learn criticism p.18 Frank told Rita to reference to other authors. Rita references pulp fiction authors. Frank discusses with Rita that not all books are literature. She needs to do more than devour pulp fiction. She eventually decides to never read pulp again.

Scene 3

-But theyre all books arent they?

-Yes. Yes. But you seem to be under the impression that all books are literature. P.25 Right. Thats it, Ill never read a Robbins novel again p.26

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Scene 4

One line essay no time at home or work. Denny wont let her do it at home

Scene 5

Discusses Frank and poetry and why he stopped writing p.35. He says he got it wrong.

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Challenges/Obstacles that Frank and Rita encounter

Frank
Self loathing Self belief that he is a failure Cynical attitude towards Open

Rita
Self esteem that she cannot achieve Family and friends are obstacles in her education (from school to university). Her own lack of education Relationship burning books, ultimatum to stop studying, must have a child Struggle to maintain the goal and slip into normal habits Time to study has to complete university work while at the hairdresser Feeling isolated from everyone and everything a half-caste Personal blindness accepts without questioning and then hates what she has accepted being questioned by Frank Persuaded by trendy ideas from

University Lack of engagement in his work. Stuck and uninspired (has not noticed his room for year, Act 1, i) Dependence upon Rita for meaning. Needs to find resilience himself as she finds her own voice and

independence by the end of the play. Ritas increasing independence and rejection of him. Alcoholism symbol of his spiral and self-esteem. Replaces his writing with alcohol

university friends. Rejection of her old world Desire for independence from Frank Regain her uniqueness (end of play) Burns her bridges by the end of Act 1 to her old world

Rediscover his voice i.e. to write again Stop driving people away rejects people when feels threatened. Poor at managing relationships

(platonic and romantic)

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Rewards : Frank and Rita

Frank
Begins to write again (Act 2, i) Enjoys his teaching looks forward to Rita arriving.

Rita
Independence an educated woman, capable of determining her future herself Choice empowered in life to seek her own goals (quote at the end of the play) Retains uniqueness and gains more choice, freedom, independence, understanding

Demonstrates that he is a good teacher confirmed by Rita at the end of the play

Breaks destructive cycle in his relationships (reminds Rita about her examination - still

Capable of self analysis and reflection Comfortable moving into the academic world no longer struggling at the door

Has a new beginning in Australia. Optimism and hope Gets out of the room that he was stuck in engages with his work and student.

Is a real student, no longer looking at the window at them on the grass

Things lost during transition into the world

Frank
Relationship with Julia Occupation at current university. Goes to Australia for a new beginning

Rita
Husband Denny Old social class Part of her uniqueness? Connection to own family? Or is it just different?

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List of Quotes for Frank and Rita Frank

Oh God why did I take this on p2 I dont need determination to get me into a pub p2 I suppose I always mean to lacks motivation and dedication (referring to the door that he means to fix. He is stuck in the room and Rita recognises this and so she fixes it ) I think its very beautiful evasive: wont commit It really depends on you, on how committed you are p11 (Rita asks whether he believes she has it in her to change herself) shows his lack of commitment youre the first breath of air thats been in this room for years p. 11 You have to begin to discipline that mind of yours p20 I like her enormously, its myself Im not too fond of p22 (self esteem) Possessing a hungry mind is not, in itself, a guarantee of success p23 (instructing Rita that she needs more than simple desire) I could have told you; but youll have a much better understanding of something if you discover it in your own terms p31 To pass examinations, youre going to have to supress, perhaps even abandon your uniqueness p48 Rita: I thought you had started reforming yourself. Frank: Under your influence? Act 2, i. p54 (Beginning of Franks diminished influence on Rita and Franks decline) Dead honest p59 Frank imitating Ritas language Assonance means getting the rhyme wrong p60 Frank drunk in the lecture. 2nd occasion imitating Rita. Role reversal (Rita teaching Frank) in act one he was instructing her not to be subjective. She now teaches him this lesson F: Its not not wrong. But I dont like it R: Youre being subjective p62 indicates Ritas growing confidence and Ritas influence over Frank(?) F: I got around to reading Ruby fruit Jungle. Its excellent R: Oh go way, Frank. Of its type its quite interesting. But its hardly excellent p63 Rita recognising that Frank is trapped, justifies why she hasnt seen Frank as much and why she hangs out with the other students

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theyre passionate about things that matter. Theyre not trapped theyre too young for that. And I like to be with them innuendo is that frank is trapped Frank wants to talk about her job etc, whereas she wants to talk about literature. Role reversal from Act 1. Frank recognising Ritas aversion You can hardly bear to spend a moment here can you? p65 Frank thinks that he has created a monster jokes that she should call him Mary Shelley p68 Franks is writing poetry at the beginning of Act 2. (See stage notes). This is important! You you should know about this! It marks a change in him. Why is he writing poetry? What might the subject of his poetry be? Who has inspired him?

Rita:
Im comin in arent I? rhetorical question (Door a metaphor for education and opportunities) thats no good always meanin to, is it an you wont be able to get out. y call it rubbish cos thats what it looks like? Cos y dont undertstand. So y switch it off and say thats fuckin rubbish p6 God whats it like to be free p7 But if you want to change y have to do it from the inside, dont y p11 Ive been realisin for ages that I was, y know, slightly out of stepsee I wanna discover meself first p12 Ill bring me scissors next week and give y a haircut p 14 Hello. I was just oilin it for y I knew you wouldnt get around to it perceives Franks lack of motivation to change. Im gonna have a room like this one day p15 She said I was off me cake p16 I would have had to become different from me mates, an thats not allowed So y never admit that school could be anythin other than useless p17 have to decide whether its gonna be another change of dress or a change in yourself Cant we do something I like? p20 you meana bit of slap and tickle with the lads as long as you dont go home an tell your mum? p26

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It makes me stronger coming here. Thats what Dennys frightened of p31 its not taking the place of life, its providing me with life itselfhe wants me to stop rocking the coffin, thats all p34 (Rita quotes Macbeth on page 39 Macbeths soliloquy about life being meaningless and brief) What shall I wear p42 In response to Franks invitation to come around for dinner. Indicates the barrier that still exists for Rita between social classes that she has reverted to thinking about appearance I dont want to be myself. Me? Whats me? p45 Im a half caste p45 Y need air in here, Frank. The room needs airing p53 (exchange between Frank and Rita Rita attempts but cannot open it and states that it wont bleedin budge Frank asserts that it hasnt been opened for generations metaphor for Franks stubbornness. He has been stuck in that room and it is Rita (she causes his spiral) that will eventually get him out and into the air This exchange crucially happens at the point where Rita wants to go outside and sit on the grass (desire of Act 1) they dont go but in the next scene Rita has been on the grass. He was an idiot. His argument just crumbled. It wasnt just me everyone else agreed with me p58 (Ritas growing confidence and lack of confidence in Act 1) Frank you used to be quite wary of them didnt you Rita God knows why. For students they dont half come out with some rubbish p57 I dont need you p68 (Rita to Frank) You think I ended up with a load of quotes and empty phrases, an I did. But that wasnt your doin. I was so hungry. I wanted it all so much that it didnt want it to be questioned. P71 compare with Franks remark in Act 1 p23 that having a hungry mind is not a guarantee of success. Rita has learned this lesson Rita empowered by her education: I had a choice. I chose, me. Because of what youd given me I had a choice p72 I might go to France. I might have a baby. I dunno. Ill make a decision. Ill choose END both exchange gifts external presents representing the internal change that has occurred in both.

Symbolism in the play

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The door Rita opening it and saying she is coming in. Represents the world of opportunities that are going to open up for her due to entering through the door into the educated world. For Frank, it is about how he is stuck in the room. Rita recognises this and oils it for him the next time. She fixes the door metaphor for Rita is going to be the catalyst for Frank to get out even if Air/Window Rita is breath of fresh air for Frank (act 1). In Act 2 Rita tries to open the window (she wants more than Frank can give is searching out any and every idea. Connects with various quotes on hunger and learning Grass/proper students Apple/Knowledge p39/40/41 Apple of knowledge Rita learning Gifts of dress and haircut

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