Equus Play Quotes

The play Equus written by Peter Schaffer offers a compelling exploration of societal norms, more importantly the rigidity of society through its portrayal of the character Alan Strang. Alan’s unusual behavior and unique perspective driven by his passionate nature, challenge these conventional norms, allowing the audience to draw meaningful insights on the current boundaries imposed on individuality.

Alan Strang emerges as a socially awkward character who defies societal norms in multiple ways. In the beginning of the play, Strang is sent to psychiatrist Martin Dysart to seek treatment after committing the gruesome act of blinding six horses. Even before the audience meets Strang, it is communicated that he is a very odd individual through

Alan's family for instance represent the expectations of a conventional society, failing to understand or accept his connection to horses. This idea is most effectively presented through the character of Dora, Alan’s mother where she states “I lie awake and awake thinking it out, and I want you to know that I deny what he’s doing now”. Even his own family, where he should feel welcomed for his true self, dissaprove of his faith. He is not only isolated from communities, but becomes isolated within his own home. Despite the act of blinding horses being inexcusable, it does not come from a place of violence. Alan's passions reflect an extreme attempt to regain control over his repressed desires that he has grown to feel ashamed of. The presence or absence of passion in Dysart and Strangs lives, reveal the complex interplay between control and freedom. While Alan’s desires indicate a level of intensity that defies societal norms it is what gives his life a sense of

Alan lives in a world he himself has created. His passion for this life and God figure Equus is what makes him individual and special, yet it is misunderstood and rejected by society. While this nonconformity results in consequences, his passion allows him to experience a profound connection with the world around him. In contrast to Alan’s unconventional passions, Dysart represents a life devoid of passion. As a psychiatrist, he is tasked with normalizing and suppressing Alan's unique desires. However as the ‘treatment’ continues, Dysart begins to question the essence of his own life. He too is trapped within the restraints of societal expectations, demonstrating the numbing effect of conformity and cost of suppressing one’s passions. As mentioned by Dysart “Passion, you see, can be destroyed by a doctor. It cannot be created.” Despite its irregular nature, Alan's pursuit of his desires prompts Dysart to reevaluate his own choices due to the fear of never experiencing such a profound connection that Alan does. While Alan is troubled, Dysart is able to view his passions as a strength rather than a weakness stating “I’m jealous, Hesther. Jealous of Alan Strang”. Dysart craves the liberation Alan experiences, and that he cannot