Freudian Theories: Day 2; Equus
Lab:
Make sure you have read the article on Freud. If you didn't, you are probably sublimating something. What does that mean? Take some notes on the info below (and examine your handout today) during lab.
Freud - Part 2
More Freudian Theory: (hang on to your pencils...sometimes a pencil is just a pencil...)
Here's a bit more information about Freud's theories. Feel free to research these links as much as you'd like to get smarter. To learn more about Freud as a person and historical figure, click over there.
Period 2:
We'll return to Freud's theories, then begin reading Equus.
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 psychological concepts we have been studying.
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, and recently died in 2016. His brother is Anthony Shaffer was also a writer (The Wicker Man).
Peter 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.
HOMEWORK: Your portfolio is due next class at the end of our lab time. Please bring back your Equus scripts. Aim to complete A Clockwork Orange by Wednesday, next week (Nov. 8).
Make sure you have read the article on Freud. If you didn't, you are probably sublimating something. What does that mean? Take some notes on the info below (and examine your handout today) during lab.
Freud - Part 2
More Freudian Theory: (hang on to your pencils...sometimes a pencil is just a pencil...)
Here's a bit more information about Freud's theories. Feel free to research these links as much as you'd like to get smarter. To learn more about Freud as a person and historical figure, click over there.
Repression: When painful memories or anxiety or negative thoughts occur, repression is the process of pushing or keeping them out of the mind. Be aware a person is not AWARE of Repression, as it is a subconscious event. The goal in psychoanalysis is that these repressed memories or thoughts break through to the conscious level where they can be worked on and resolved.Use your time in the lab to reflect on your progress, prepare your portfolios, etc. Portfolios are due Thursday. No lollygagging....
Suppression: Similar to repression, except that this is in the conscious mind. A person chooses not to think about a desire, wish, etc. instead of seeking for it. (Puts it out of the mind). We do this often when we want to change the subject of a conversation because its too difficult to bear, or if the topic makes us uncomfortable.
Projection: when someone consciously experiences an unconscious drive, wish, or feeling as though it belongs to someone else. A person with intense unconscious anger may project that anger onto her friend and think it is her friend who is angry, for example.
Rationalization: to explain away anxiety provoking thoughts or feelings. Usually a person who cannot face an aspect of himself, may rationalize his actions as being normal or okay.
Reaction Formation: A person says or does the exact opposite of how he or she really feels. A desire or wish may be unacceptable, so this is turned into its exact opposite. We see a lot of this sort of thing when evangelists or preachers go on about hating homosexuality, then later are caught engaging in that sort of behavior. Before the psyche breaks down, the individual is using reaction formation to keep unwanted desires at bay.
Displacement: When an unacceptable desire is redirected toward a more acceptable alternative. Instead of unconsciously desiring sex, a woman might buy a warehouse full of shoes. Shoes are, of course, a symbol for a vagina (something that allows something else to fit into it...)
Sublimation: Like displacement, when you sublimate a desire you turn unacceptable urges into their opposites - an acceptable outlet for ones feelings/desires. Artists often do this when they channel their rage or anger into their art or music. Sylvia Plath is a good example of how her disturbed subconscious bubbled up into her poetry. In sublimation, for example, sexual frustration might end up as an angry heavy-metal album...what might we say about Lady Gaga or Marilyn Manson?
Period 2:
We'll return to Freud's theories, then begin reading Equus.
Peter Shaffer's Equus
Try to find other motifs when you see them. Also, look for psychological concepts we have been studying.
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, and recently died in 2016. His brother is Anthony Shaffer was also a writer (The Wicker Man).
Peter 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.
HOMEWORK: Your portfolio is due next class at the end of our lab time. Please bring back your Equus scripts. Aim to complete A Clockwork Orange by Wednesday, next week (Nov. 8).
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