Equus by Peter Shaffer

equus peterEquus by Peter Shaffer

Uploaded by Appleman on Oct 12, 2007

Plot Summary of Equus, plus the detailled analysis of two important events

Scene 1 鈥?Dysart鈥檚 first monologue: the play opens with Dysart briefly explaining Alan's worshipping of the horses. He struggles to get his head around this worshipping and it is making him question the ethics and effectiveness of psychiatric treatment.

Scene 2 鈥?Hesther explains to Dysart what she believes has happened. She includes details of Alan's court hearing, where all he did was sing when he was asked questions. She begs Dysart to take Alan on as his own patient.

Scene 3 & 4 鈥?Alan meets Dysart for the first time. He refuses to answer questions, and decides to sing TV commercials instead. He is taken to his room, where he offends the nurse.

Scene 5 鈥?Dysart's second monologue: he is describing a dream he has had to the audience. He is in ancient Greece, taking part in a sacrificial ritual where he cuts open children and removes their lungs and heart. He again questions the ethics of being a psychiatrist.

Scene 6 鈥?Frank and Dora, Alan's parents, argue about whether or not Alan should be allowed a TV. Frank believes that is a bad influence on his son, but his mother disagrees. Meanwhile, Hesther and Dysart begin to talk bout religion.

Scene 7 鈥?Dysart speaks with Dora. She explains to him that she told Alan stories from the bible, and then talks about horses. Frank enters, and he tells Dysart that he thinks religion is the reason for Alan's insanity.