Equus; Adolescent Psychology
Peter Shaffer's Equus
Equus, like Oedipus Rex, uses the motif of "eyes." As you read the play notice how the playwright uses this motif. You will likely find many examples of "seeing" or "eyes" or "vision."
Try to find other motifs when you see them. Also, look for archetypes and psychological concepts.
What should you do with this information?
When examining a novel, poem, play or film, a certain image or line may repeat an idea, theme, object, etc. Taken together, this object, event, or idea becomes a motif and/or a symbol representing something larger than itself. As viewers or listeners we need to be aware that this is occurring so that we understand what the author intended -- it works the same way in visual art. A viewer must be able to decode the visual symbols the artist creates in order to understand the message or meaning of the work. As writers, we can utilize this technique to strengthen our writing. Try it by choosing a draft of a story you have already written. Repeat a key idea, phrase, line, or use an object or event to create a motif or symbol. Imbue it with meaning by stressing it. Don't explain the metaphor. Let it be, but call attention to it by suggesting connections subtly. As you read Equus, try noticing how an author uses a motif with craft and grace.
(Sir) Peter Shaffer was born in England, 1926, (he's still alive). His brother is Anthony Shaffer who is also a writer (The Wicker Man). Shaffer studied history on a scholarship from Cambridge University, and worked a number of odd jobs including coal miner, bookstore clerk, and assistant at the New York Public Library, before discovering his dramatic talents. Shaffer's first play was The Salt Land (1954, BBC). Encouraged by this success, he continued to build his reputation as a playwright with Five Finger Exercise (1958) directed by John Gielgud and won several awards.
Shaffer's canon contains a unique mix of philosophical dramas and satirical comedies. The Royal Hunt of the Sun (1964) presents the tragic conquest of Peru by the Spanish, while Black Comedy (1965) takes a hilarious look at a group of characters feeling their way around a pitch black room--although the stage is, of course, actually flooded with light. Amadeus tells the story of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and court composer Antonio Salieri who, overcome with jealousy at hearing the "voice of God" coming from an "obscene child," sets out to destroy his rival.
Equus (1973) won Shaffer the 1975 Tony Award for Best Play as well as the New York Drama Critics Circle Award. Equus ran for over 1,000 performances on Broadway and recently was revived with Harry Potter actor Daniel Radcliffe as Alan. Yonadab (1985) is a Biblical/philosophical play, while Lettice & Lovage (1987) is an Elizabethan comedy. His last play to date was The Gift of the Gorgon (1992).
Many of Shaffer's plays have been adapted to film including The Royal Hunt of the Sun (1969), Equus (1977), Amadeus (1984) which won eight Academy Awards including "Best Picture".
TASK: You will be expected to choose either Alan, Frank, Dora, Hesther or Dr. Dysart and psychoanalyze this character. See the post about psychological defenses as well as refer to Freudian psychology. As you read, please take notes that help you analyze your chosen character.
Try to find other motifs when you see them. Also, look for archetypes and psychological concepts.
What should you do with this information?
When examining a novel, poem, play or film, a certain image or line may repeat an idea, theme, object, etc. Taken together, this object, event, or idea becomes a motif and/or a symbol representing something larger than itself. As viewers or listeners we need to be aware that this is occurring so that we understand what the author intended -- it works the same way in visual art. A viewer must be able to decode the visual symbols the artist creates in order to understand the message or meaning of the work. As writers, we can utilize this technique to strengthen our writing. Try it by choosing a draft of a story you have already written. Repeat a key idea, phrase, line, or use an object or event to create a motif or symbol. Imbue it with meaning by stressing it. Don't explain the metaphor. Let it be, but call attention to it by suggesting connections subtly. As you read Equus, try noticing how an author uses a motif with craft and grace.
(Sir) Peter Shaffer was born in England, 1926, (he's still alive). His brother is Anthony Shaffer who is also a writer (The Wicker Man). Shaffer studied history on a scholarship from Cambridge University, and worked a number of odd jobs including coal miner, bookstore clerk, and assistant at the New York Public Library, before discovering his dramatic talents. Shaffer's first play was The Salt Land (1954, BBC). Encouraged by this success, he continued to build his reputation as a playwright with Five Finger Exercise (1958) directed by John Gielgud and won several awards.
Shaffer's canon contains a unique mix of philosophical dramas and satirical comedies. The Royal Hunt of the Sun (1964) presents the tragic conquest of Peru by the Spanish, while Black Comedy (1965) takes a hilarious look at a group of characters feeling their way around a pitch black room--although the stage is, of course, actually flooded with light. Amadeus tells the story of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and court composer Antonio Salieri who, overcome with jealousy at hearing the "voice of God" coming from an "obscene child," sets out to destroy his rival.
Equus (1973) won Shaffer the 1975 Tony Award for Best Play as well as the New York Drama Critics Circle Award. Equus ran for over 1,000 performances on Broadway and recently was revived with Harry Potter actor Daniel Radcliffe as Alan. Yonadab (1985) is a Biblical/philosophical play, while Lettice & Lovage (1987) is an Elizabethan comedy. His last play to date was The Gift of the Gorgon (1992).
Many of Shaffer's plays have been adapted to film including The Royal Hunt of the Sun (1969), Equus (1977), Amadeus (1984) which won eight Academy Awards including "Best Picture".
TASK: You will be expected to choose either Alan, Frank, Dora, Hesther or Dr. Dysart and psychoanalyze this character. See the post about psychological defenses as well as refer to Freudian psychology. As you read, please take notes that help you analyze your chosen character.
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