SACE 294924 R

English Studies

Equus

Analysis of Techniques
Show how the author of a prescribed text uses contrast between
characters and contrast between points of view to explore ideas.

Contrasting characterisation and contrasting between points of view are used by

author, Peter Shaffer in order to explore ideas such as what is normal and the
role of Religion within the society of the play Equus. Shaffer contrasts Martin
Dysart, a child psychiatrist and one of his almost unfixable patients, Alan Strang,
in order to focus the readers mind on the different thinking processes between a
psychiatrist and a very unique patient. Shaffer also uses contrast between points
of view to illustrate the difference between Dysart and Alan but also to show the
similarities between Alan and his parents.
Shaffer shows us that the relationship between Dysart and Alan is quite usual in
the beginning. Dysart did not want to treat Alan. He was reluctant to treat Alan
even though they hadnt started sessions together. Despite Alans blinding of the
horses, Dysart was not convinced that conventional medicine was the best
solution for his problems. Throughout the play Dysart struggles with the
possibility of curing Alan through traditional medicine, leaving him without the
passion and purpose that make him unique. Throughout their interviews, Alan
and Dysart faced conflict between one another and found it difficult to come to a
conclusion. Dysart was trying to get Alan to speak more but Alan would not
agree. This was not very professional of Dysart to treat his client this way and
makes him seem more aggressive towards the case.
Dysart also discovered the impact of Equus in Alans life, the passion that
theyve inspired, and the simple fact that, even though Alan is living outside the
bounds of conventions, his life is more fulfilled and complete than the average
persons, even his own. Within Alans life, horses play the role of God. No one
told him who to worship or the best way define him. This sense of empowerment
and connectedness highlighted Dysart's desperate longing for something and
someone to share his religion with. In Act 1, scene 13, Alan described his true
attraction towards horses. He greatly focused on their physicality; just to watch
their skins. The way their necks twist, and the swear shines in the folds (page
44). This showed that the horses had more than just a spiritual appeal to Alan.
Shaffer expressed Alans speech as if he doesnt think before he acts. Alan has a
habit of acting on impulse and always has the ability to almost do whatever he
wants. When he hears someone talking to him, he will respond straight away.
Whereas on the other hand; the author had contrasted Dysart to act in a more
mature manner. Shaffer has Dysart act in a socially responsible way even though
he has desires and aspirations to gallop, and live his life to the fullest as if to
feel envious towards the life Alan is lucky to have. Shaffer has used this to ask
the question of what is normal. Alan is a strange child, he does whatever he
wants but is mentally obsessed on his strange love and worship for horses.
However, Dysart is jealous towards a part of Alans life which plays on the reader
thoughts and questions what is normal.

SACE 294924 R

English Studies

Equus

Analysis of Techniques
The author also contrasted the different views of Alans parents, Frank and Dora.
Frank is an atheist. He does not believe or lacks belief in the existence of God or
gods (American Atheists, 2016). In her mid fifties, Dora is extremely religious and
has devoted years to reading the bible to Alan. She came across as a loving and
caring mother however she does not believe that she has had an impact in
Alans upbringing. However at one point when Frank is speaking with Dysart in
Act 1, scene 14, Frank blames religion on Alans behaviour and suggests that
religions at the bottom of all this! (Page 47) This is a constant opinion of
Franks as he continued to believe that religion is to blame; Bloody religionits
our only real problem in this house, but its insuperable; I dont mind admitting
it (page 28). The conflict between to the two causes conflict within their
household.
Throughout Acts one and two, the religious side of Alan is expressed more and
more. From his mother, religion clearly had a huge effect on Alans life. At one
point in scene seven, Dora was quoting the bible when she stated horses
appeared in the bible, he saith among the trumpets, Ha, ha. As Dysart
questioned this quote, Alan stepped in and responded with Hast thou clothed
his neck with thunder? This showed that as well as having a close relationship
with Equus, Alan also has a strong relationship with religion. This is also seen
later on in
Peter Shaffer has acquired a variety of techniques within Equus to provide a
deeper understanding of the ideas; what is normal and the role of religion and
how they were expressed through the play. The effect of the character
contrasting and the contrast between points of view had a huge effect on the
story and the reader as it encourages them to want to continue reading. Overall,
the play Equus uses the techniques of character contrasting and contrasting
between points of view to portray ideas within the play.

References
Shaffer, P. (1975). Equus. New York: Avon Books.
American Atheists. (2016). What is Atheism? | American Atheists. [online]
Available at: https://atheists.org/activism/resources/what-is-atheism [Accessed 4
May 2016].