Equus
Wishlist
In Equus , which took critics and public alike by storm and has gone on to become a modern classic, Peter Shaffer depicts the story of a deranged youth who blinds six horses with …
Book Summary
Peter Shaffer's Equus is a modern classic play about a psychiatrist treating a teenage boy who blinds six horses. Through their sessions, it explores how modern materialism has deadened our capacity for worship and passion. This edition (ISBN 9780140260700) is ideal for students, theatre lovers, and anyone interested in psychological drama and spiritual critique.
This book is not available
Store  |
Condition |
Deals & Coupons | Price |
Est. Shipping |
Total |
Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sorry we could not find any result for “9780140260700” | ||||||
About Equus
Equus by Peter Shaffer is a landmark play that stunned audiences with its chilling story of Alan Strang, a seventeen-year-old who blinds six horses with a metal spike. Psychiatrist Martin Dysart is assigned to treat him, and through their sessions, the play dissects Alan's twisted form of worship—rooted in his parents' conflicting ideologies and a repressed sexual awakening. Dysart, meanwhile, confronts his own spiritual emptiness, questioning whether curing Alan's passion, however destructive, is better than leaving him in a state of numb conformity. Shaffer's script is a powerful exploration of how modern materialism and convenience have eroded our capacity for genuine worship, passion, and even pain. This edition, published by Penguin, includes the full text of the play, making it essential for drama students, theatre practitioners, and readers interested in psychological and philosophical drama.
Who should read Equus?
This book is essential for students of drama and literature, especially those studying modern British theatre or preparing for exams. Theatre directors, actors, and designers will find rich material in its expressionistic staging and complex characters. Readers interested in psychology, psychiatry, and the philosophy of religion will appreciate its exploration of worship, passion, and spiritual decay. It is also a compelling read for anyone who enjoys thought-provoking drama that challenges societal norms and the meaning of sanity.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Powerful and thought-provoking exploration of passion, worship, and modern alienation.
- ✓ Complex, well-drawn characters, especially the psychiatrist Martin Dysart.
- ✓ Innovative theatrical techniques, including masked horses and expressionistic staging.
- ✓ Timeless themes that remain relevant to contemporary debates about mental health and materialism.
- ✓ Concise and gripping script that reads well as a literary text.
Cons
- ✗ Disturbing subject matter, including animal cruelty and sexual themes, may upset some readers.
- ✗ The play's intense psychological focus can feel heavy and unrelenting.
- ✗ Some readers may find the portrayal of psychiatry dated or controversial.
- ✗ The expressionistic style may be challenging for those unfamiliar with experimental theatre.
- ✗ Limited appeal for readers seeking light entertainment or straightforward narrative.
Similar books
Frequently asked questions
Is Equus based on a true story?
No, Equus is a fictional play, though Peter Shaffer was inspired by a real-life incident of a boy blinding horses that he heard about from a friend.
What is the main theme of Equus?
The play explores the conflict between passionate, primal worship and the numbing conformity of modern society, questioning whether psychiatric treatment that removes passion is truly healing.
Is this edition suitable for students?
Yes, this Penguin edition contains the full text of the play and is widely used in schools and universities for drama and literature courses.
How long is the play?
Equus is a full-length play, typically performed in two acts, with a running time of about two and a half hours including an interval.
Does the play contain graphic content?
Yes, the play depicts the blinding of horses and includes scenes of a sexual nature and psychological distress, so it is intended for mature audiences.
At Windsorbooks, we compare prices from trusted sellers so you can buy, rent, or sell textbooks at the best total price — shipping included.
As an Amazon Associate, Windsorbooks.com may earn a small commission on qualifying purchases.