Frank is a university teacher that has a drink problem. In the opening scene he speaks obnoxiously indicating he feels his job is monotonous. He says, “Oh God, why did I take this on.” He is quiet in comparison to Rita and says very little. He is somewhat irresponsible and is aware of his drink problem. He says, “I don’t need determination to get into a pub.” Furthermore we can see that he does not take much notice of anything anymore when he says about a picture, “I don’t think I’ve looked at it for about 10 years.” Another quote that shows he doesn’t care about life is, “ I shall need to wash away the memory of some silly woman’s attempts to get into the mind of Henry James.”
Rita’s entrance creates a significant amount of tension and humour. Dramatic tension is caused as Rita bangs on the door. We can tell that she is different from the moment we hear this continuous knocking. She seems to burst in unexpectedly and immediately looks out of place. The audience certainly would not expect to see a loud, strident character enter at that moment. She curses about the door handle and soon makes herself at home, dumping her bag on the nearest chair.
Rita is a twenty six year old hairdresser who has decided to undertake a literature course at a university. She is noticeably uneducated. This is evidenced when she says in relation to swearing, “The educated classes know its only word don’t they? I do it to shock them sometimes.” On the subject of an alcoholic drink she also says, “Y’ wanna be careful with that stuff, it kills y’ brain cells” which shows that she is a determined, strong-minded lady who sensibly knows what is best for her. She is in addition very lively and amusing. This is demonstrated when she salutes and jokily says to Frank, “On my oath as an ex-Brownie.”
Rita behaves in a lively and chatty way in the opening scene, which strikes the audience as being remarkably unusual. Any other student who had just arrived at a new university would be frightened at the prospect but Rita manages to avoid nervousness, which is why Frank immediately takes to her.
Frank indicates that he is surprised at Rita’s personality. When she enters his study he is unsure how to respond to her self-confident, outgoing attitude and is taken aback slightly. He often finds himself being taken off the subject of literature by Rita. Rita is very honest and direct in her approach to her surroundings showing the audience she is a very open person. In the scene Frank indicates she is not your typical student by saying “Erm..” at the start of sentences, showing he is cautious in his response and needs to think about how to reply. Rita wants to have a cigarette in the scene and persuades Frank to have one too. Frank asks Rita to promise not to tell anyone demonstrating that a trust has already developed.
Rita and Franks relationship differ from most teacher and student relationships. Rita is not a full time student unlike most and she has a life out of college. She varies from most students as she is older and has a capacity to disrespect Frank. Bizarrely Rita seems to educate Frank as much as Frank educates her.
There are clues at the start of the play that show that Frank and Rita’s relationship is going to develop. Rita reminds Frank that some people actually enjoy reading and are not all pretentious students who claim they like literature and are experts on the subject. She makes a complete difference to Frank’s life and gives him a much-needed breath of fresh air. Rita helps Frank to see there is value to his life. Frank tries to make Rita see that she does not need to act and speak like other students. Both Frank and Rita challenge each other during the scene. The audience may be left wondering if Rita and Frank are going to get together during the scene or feeling that Frank may change mentally.
