Discuss the ways in which Russell's vision for 'Educating Rita' is a humorous one. What is the effect of the humour in highlighting the play's more serious issues?

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Discuss the ways in which Russell's vision for 'Educating Rita' is a humorous one. What is the effect of the humour in highlighting the play's more serious issues?

In creating 'Educating Rita' Russell produced a piece of drama to entertain and give a wide audience the opportunity to understand the class and culture difficulties and differences faced between Rita who represents the working class and Frank who represents the middle class. The contrast between Rita's witty and thoughtful remarks, lively personality and Frank's staleness and sarcasm provides both dramatic entertainment to enjoy, and an exploration of culture issues with which some members of the audience may identify.

In 'Educating Rita' Russell uses slapstick humour to amuse the audience. For example at the start of the play humour is created by the increasing impatience of Frank as he repeatedly tells Rita to "Come in!" however Rita must repeatedly keep knocking because of the broken door handle. Rita's response to this event "...one of these days you'll be shoutin' "Come in" an' it'll go on forever because the poor sod on the other side wont be able to get in. An' you wont be able to get out" is