Equus, Act 2

This exercise will serve as preparation of your note cards and class discussion of Equus, Act 2.

In addition to your analysis of Alan, consider the following question:

What is the nature of Dysart’s suffering and how does his treatment of Alan bring this suffering to a crisis point? Be prepared to discuss the question with reference to specific passages (especially relevant are pp. 17-18, 58-63, 65, 80-83, 107-109).

Questions to consider for discussion and your papers:

pp.75-76 What does Dysart mean in saying that it is as though the horse is saying “”first account for me”?

pp. 77-78 What is Mrs. Strang’s position on the causes of Alan’s disturbance? Does she portray Dysart’s assessment accurately?

pp.80-83 What does Dysart mean by “taking away someone’s worship”? How does this apply to Alan?

pp.92-98 What did the incident in the cinema mean to Alan? What significance did it have in the events that ensued?

pp.104-106 What is the significance of the horses’ eyes to Alan?