S5 English

Good Afternoon S5! In todays lesson, we will... Discuss and analyse Act 1 Scene 2 Look at the theme of education Answer questions on character

Act 1 Scene 2 Summary Ritas first tutorial Frank struggles to get Rita to focus on E.M Forster. We learn about her previous education. Frank reveals details of his broken relationships.

Act 1 Scene 2 This scene opens with a metaphor – Rita oils Franks door. What do you think Russell is trying to say here? RITA She lacks confidence in herself. She doesnt understand the realities of education. (p30) She had a negative experience at school. (p31) She is unable to concentrate on the tutorial. (p34)

Act 1 Scene 2 Rita lacks confidence in her new environment. Her use of language is a barrier – her strong accent and dialect shows she is working class and sets her apart from the other students. She had to conform at school to fit in; See if Id started takin school seriously I would have had to become different to my mates, an thats not allowed. (page 31)

Act 1 Scene 2 Like what youve got to be into is music an clothes an lookin for a feller, yknow the real qualities of life. (page 32) She feels this is a shallow existence. She thinks that buying a new dress to change your outer appearance can distract you from the need to change yourself on the inside. As a SYMBOLIC gesture, she is wearing an old dress and wont buy another until she passes her first exam – by then shell be a new person, and wear the sort of dress youd only see on an educated woman.

Act 1 Scene 2 Read Ritas speech on page 37. What is her point about education? This relates to Ritas situation – to pass exams she must do more than simply admire the beauty of great works, she must also analyse them and communicate her ideas in writing. Frank acknowledges that this side of education may be wrong.

Act 1 Scene 2 Read pages 33 and 34. Why does Frank find Ritas essay unsatisfactory? Note the difference in their use of language (page 33). Rita writes in a SUBJECTIVE way whereas Frank must develop in her critical detachment so that she can pass exams. If youre going to pass any sort of exam you have to begin to discipline that mind of yours.

Act 1 Scene 2 FRANK He has split from his wife and now lives with a girlfriend, Julia. He confesses to Rita that he currently is unable to write poetry. (p35) There is clearly a strong attraction and closeness between the two. Rita does her best to play down Franks comments using humour. (p37) The use of humour becomes more pronounced in this scene as the two characters interact – Ritas coarse and vulgar humour is contrasted well with Franks dry wit. Support your notes with quotations

Act 1 Scene 3 Summary Ritas first essay shows how much she is lacking in formal education. Frank persuades Rita that she must develop her taste in literature.

Act 1 Scene 3 Rita: This Forster, honest to God he doesnt half get on my tits. Frank: Good. You must show me the evidence. His quick-witted reply reflects the closeness developing in their relationship. A bond is emerging between the two characters – Rita receives the education she craves and Frank is given a new lease of life by her exuberant enthusiasm.

Act 1 Scene 3 Devouring pulp fiction is not being well read. If Rita fails to appreciate anything other than pulp fiction, she will never be prepared for the exam. Her replies to Franks arguments depict how difficult she is finding the traditional learning process. However, at the end of the scene we see an important shift in her attitude – she is finally getting the message. My minds full of junk, isnt it? It needs a good clearing out.

Act 1 Scene 4 Summary Rita is finding the course difficult. She has no support from her husband, Denny. Her essay on Peer Gynt is one line long and Frank makes her rewrite it.

Act 1 Scene 4 There is a stark contrast to Ritas earlier entrances. There is a conflict between her home life and study life. Denny gets dead narked if I work at home. He doesnt like me doing this. Frank explains that Rita must conform in order to pass exams. There is a way of answering examination questions that is expected.

Act 1 Scene 4 Ritas views on working class culture (pgs ) What is the disease Rita talks about? Why does Rita think Denny doesnt want her to study?

Act 1 Scene 4 In this scene we see that Rita is gradually becoming a stronger student. She finally grasps what Forster is talking about. She is being moulded and changed by Frank. The language in her essay is not her natural speech, but the voice of a proper student.