Write an alternative ending
F: Are you capable of recognizing what does or does not matter, Rita?
R: I understand literary criticism, Frank. When I come here that’s what we’re supposed to be dealing with.
F: Allright Rita. Allright..For the next two weeks you are going to inform you about a russian author called „Leo Tolstoj“. We will see, if your changement goes on.
Rita leaves Frank’s office
F (to himself) : The result of education is stupidity ( Von der Bildung kommen nur Dummheiten ( Zitat: Leo Tolstoj) )
After having been drunk while class Frank is sent to Asutralia. The last time he tries to call Rita at the bistro. It’s one a half week after they met the last time.
F: Hello. This is Frank ... and I’d like to talk to Rita White.Susan White??..oh yeah..there we go. May I talk to her?Thank you Miss...
R: Susan White.
F: Hi Rita...It’s Frank.I call to tell you something..(pause)Rita...I have to leave...I have to go to Australia and I want to ask you, if
R: if I go with you? Frank, there’s no way...All my friends live here. Trish, Tiger and the other students. And what about passing the exam??...Frank...
F: Rita!No!... That wasn’t my intension. I want to ask you, if you can come to my office a last timePlease...Let’s finish class.
R: Allright Frank. I’ll take the Tolstoj stuff with me... See you later.
F: Bye Rita.
Rita tells her boss that she has to visit her aunt, who has to stay in bed because of an accident. So Rita has to do the purchase for her. Her boss lets her go.
(20 minutes later)
Rita hits the door which opens
R: Some things will never changeHI Frank.
F: So, first of all tell me something about Tolstoj.
R: First of all I’ll tell you something about you. Frank..I recognized why you let me study this Tolstoj stuff. You always tries to tell me that I changed, so you wanted me to get to know a author, who changed extremly is way of life..
F: So you also recognized the Parallelism between Leo Tolstoy and you, Rita?
R: Of Course...I’m educated know.
F: And you got egoistic! When I phoned you, you didn’t ask me why I have to leave. Did you ever think of me the last two weeks? Well, in fact I don’t care. So let me here something about Tolstoj.
R: Leo Tolstoj was born in Russia. He studied orientalic language for a few semstres. After having seen somebody killed by a Guillotine he totally changed. He became moralistic and in the end he quit smoking and drinking and lived like a farmer.
Frank...when i dealt with Tolstoj he reminded me of you. So there’s a parallelism between him and YOU instead of him and me. Frank, I also found a quote by Tolstoj that encouraged me to hold my line and stay as I am now. Maybe you know this quote.
„When there’s no aim, when life was given to us only by the will of life itself, then there’s no sense in living.“ (Wenn kein Ziel da ist, wenn das Leben uns nur um des Lebens willen geschenkt wurde, dann hat es keinen Sinn, daß man lebt.)
Frankmy aim is to be educated...to get higher in society. So don’t get me wrong, when I seemed to be egoistic. It’s the first time I have an aim in my life
F: Okay Rita...(pause)Good Luck in future life...I hope we’ll meet each other some time, somewhereGood Bye
Frank takes his boxes and leaves his office. Rita looks really sad. It was the last time they saw each other
R ( to herself): It started in this office and it ends in this office. ( Rita sits down in the swivel chair)...“ To create a little flower is the labour of ages“. quote by William Blake (Die Erschaffung einer kleinen Blume ist das Werk von Jahrtausenden)...
I am the flower, aren’t I?what do you think?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this text about?
This text is a scene from a play or screenplay, featuring a dialogue between Frank, a professor, and Rita, a student. It's likely an alternative ending to a story.
What is the relationship between Frank and Rita?
Frank is Rita's teacher. Their relationship seems to have evolved beyond a purely academic one, perhaps with Frank becoming emotionally invested in Rita's personal growth and transformation.
What is Frank's opinion of Rita's transformation?
Frank seems ambivalent. Initially, he seemed to be encouraging Rita's transformation, but now he expresses disappointment and even accuses her of becoming egoistic. He might be feeling abandoned or that her newfound intellectualism has come at the cost of their connection.
Why is Frank leaving?
Frank is being sent to Australia, possibly due to getting drunk in class, suggesting some sort of professional consequence for his actions.
What is Rita's perspective on her transformation?
Rita acknowledges that she has changed and that Frank played a role in it by introducing her to Tolstoy. However, she is committed to her goals and does not regret the path she has chosen. She sees her education and upward mobility as her primary aim.
What is the significance of Tolstoy in their conversation?
Frank assigned Rita the study of Leo Tolstoy because he wanted her to get to know an author who dramatically changed his way of life. Rita recognizes the parallelism between herself and Tolstoy, and points out a parallelism with Frank instead.
What is the meaning of the quote from Tolstoy?
The quote, "When there's no aim, when life was given to us only by the will of life itself, then there's no sense in living," is significant because it emphasizes the importance of having a purpose in life. Rita uses this quote to justify her ambition and her pursuit of education.
What is the significance of the flower and butterfly at the end?
Rita reflects on the quote, "To create a little flower is the labour of ages," identifying herself as the flower. The butterfly flying away could symbolize her transformation and newfound freedom, or perhaps the fleeting nature of their relationship. It highlights the idea that education and change are long, arduous processes.
What are the key themes explored in the text?
The key themes explored are: transformation, education, social mobility, the nature of relationships, the pursuit of personal goals, ambition, and the consequences of change.
What is the overall tone of the text?
The tone is melancholic and bittersweet. While Rita achieves her goals, there is a sense of loss and separation. The text explores the complexities of change and the sacrifices that are sometimes necessary to achieve one's ambitions.
- Quote paper
- Sven Kohl (Author), 2004, Alternatives Ende für "Educating Rita", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/109784