However, this understanding doesn’t necessarily mean she’s immediately capable of writing in this style. In short, you haven’t really brought any criticism to bear.” Hearing this, Rita insists that she doesn’t want to criticize her favorite novel, but Frank explains to her that in academia, there is a difference between “analytical criticism” and “being critical in a censorious way.” This conversation marks the beginning of Rita’s initiation to the hallmarks of standardized education, where there are certain expectations a person must meet in order to receive passing grades or, on a deeper level, respect as an intellectual.īefore long, Rita begins to understand that in order to succeed in academia, she’ll have to adhere its various conventions and expectations. But you’ve made no attempt to explore whatever themes there are or how character is portrayed and developed or what kind of narrative is being employed. Frank tells her, “The thing is, it was an appreciation and erm, a reasonably structured outline of the plot. When she turns it in, she’s surprised by the feedback she receives. As Frank reveals his misgivings about higher education, Russell highlights the difference between standardized teaching practices and experiential education, ultimately suggesting that sometimes there’s more to be learned outside of school than within its confines.įor her first assignment, Rita writes a piece of literary criticism about her favorite book, Rubyfruit Jungle. However, because he himself has grown weary and suspicious of the value of such an education, he finds it increasingly difficult to teach her the prescribed methods of academia, instead urging her to remain true to herself. In turn, Frank recognizes her intelligence and tries to encourage her creativity while simultaneously training her to adhere to the standard requirements of institutionalized education. At first, she balks at these customs, instead following her own instincts when it comes to writing essays and answering questions. When she begins her sessions, she must face the ins and outs of institutionalized education, where she discovers there are sets of rules and customs surrounding the learning process. In her pursuit to secure an education, Rita enrolls in Open University, a public institution that enables her to sign up for tutoring sessions with Frank even though she isn’t a matriculating student at the university where he teaches. As made obvious by the title, Educating Rita is a play about teaching and learning.

Theme from educating rita