English Essay Transformation and Transition

Question: Discuss about theEnglish Essayfor Transformation and Transition. Answer: Introduction Although the terms transformation and transition are usually used interchangeably, it should be remembered that the two terms do not imply the same thing. While transformation refers to a huge, drastic change that is being exercised in the life of an individual, the term transition is used to signify a gradual change in the essence or state of being, of the concerned individual. Since transformation refers to a huge, dramatic and almost a revolutionary change in an individual, people tend to over-emphasize the act of transformation, though transition necessarily entails a drastic change in the art of life of an individual. The concerned essay intends to discuss and analyze the challenges involved in the act of transition, as seen in the context of Juno: The Movie, and Educating Rita: The Play. In the very first scene of Juno, the audience is introduced to a teenage character, who is rather a novice in an experienced world, and lacks the practical wisdom and pragmatic vision in life. The innocent girl easily gets allured to her admirer, Paulie, and gives up her innocence, only in order to realize that she has conceived a baby, whose responsibility cannot be taken by her at the early age. While circumstances compel Juno to transform overnight from a daughter leading a cool life to a worried, responsible would-be mother, the transition that her mind underwent is equally worth-mentioning. All of a sudden, an ordinary teenage girl transitioned into a more dutiful woman, who could look beyond the surface reality and see through the capricious mind of Mac, which she considers to be absolutely unsuitable for her yet to be born child (Connernie et al. 2015). The transition of Juno is tough as she is in a dilemmatic mind whether to abort and destroy the fetus, or she should make a c onscious decision for herself, bringing the child to the world, and offering him to a woman who is need of him. Juno goes for abortion, and then decides to take full responsibility of her action, by explaining the entire situation before her parents. She feels a deep sense of love for the child she carries inside, and thinks of bringing him up on her own. However, with much pain, she understands that she lacks the responsibility to bring the child up, and uses her wit and discretion to give him up for adoption. The transition from a careless mother to a responsible, pondering woman reflecting over the well-being of the child distinguishes her from the shallow, immature, dependent teenagers one comes across. The transition that Juno undergoes was not an easy and painless one, as the viewers witness Juno suffering much of the embarrassing moments in school, being scorned and derided at by her friends. However, despite the odds the young girl Juno learns to grow, challenge stereotypica l notions about pregnant teenagers, and enlightens herself to explore a world where the male authority is deemed to be irrelevant (Hunter 2014). From being an ordinary teenager who feels disillusioned and utterly helpless after pregnancy, Juno emerges to be a strong woman who challenges stereotypical notions of female socialization. In her note to Vanessa, she says If youre still in, I am still in, that explains that she will give her child to the care of the single mother if she wants him, irrespective of her marital status (Boswell 2016). Besides, the sense of transition is equally evident in Russells treatment of the character of Rita in Educating Rita. The achievement of Rita in the academic realm is not just accidental, but essentially the result of her personal mission. Despite her working class background, Rita is rigidly determined to educate herself and groom her academic skills, instead of ending up losing her identity for upbringing her children (Hak 2014). The transition of a woman from being a simpleton, to a woman desiring to become a woman of substance is not free of challenges. Symbolically, the play shows Rita struggling to open the door that is going to lead her to the new world of experience, the office of the college lecturer Frank. While Rita is merely a woman at the beginning keen on exchanging words about her dull, prosaic existence, she undergoes striking transition as she starts reflecting on the works of English literature by the second part of the play. However, in the process of her transitio n, the challenges are no less remarkable, as Ritas confidence shatters even before she ventures to her summer school, and yet the transition paved the way for her self-development in a modern world, that is clearly evident when she buys second-hand clothes on her own (Chan and Youn 2013). The progression is also evident as she quits the use of colloquial languages, starts referring to quotes of Blake, and replies with greater confidence. The trials and difficulties that accompany the personal growth of Rita is unforgettable. Denny, the husband of the working class dressmaker, Rita fails to be supportive towards her urge for liberal education, and consequently impedes her educational efforts by accusing her of not valuing his family anymore. Rita also encounters much objection from her father as she also supports the patriarchal views of the society and intends to socialize her by asking her to conceive children rather than seeking educational pursuits in vain (Bramann 2014). The edu cational efforts almost go in vain as Denny burns down her papers and books, after discovering that the woman is on pills owing to her educational pursuit. However, ultimately with the help of her strength and courage, she overcomes each bit of limitation that impedes her growth, and she attains true liberation, and assumes the persona of a new woman, more confident and empowered than before (Russell 2013). Conclusion: The transformation as well as the transition had an indelible impact on the life of the heroines of both the works-such as Juno as well as Rita, who undergo dramatic transition in the process of challenging the stereotypical and parochial notions of the society. Reference List: Boswell, P.A., 2016. 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