preview

Individual Desire In Peter Shaffer's Play 'Equus'

Good Essays

Peter Shaffer’s play, Equus, explores the conflict between social responsibility and individual desire using contrasting characterisation and symbolism. By imposing an extreme situation on the central characters - the psychiatrist, Martin Dysart and his patient, Alan Strang - Shaffer explores how each deal with their personal struggles.
Shaffer uses contrasting characterisation between Dysart and Alan, who are stark opposites in their societal roles and personal beliefs. As a psychiatrist, Dysart is professionally obliged to uphold certain values, as he “adjusts” his patients to a socially-responsible standard. In contrast, Alan is a stable-hand; his job and skill level do not dictate such a pressure to contribute to improving society. Nonetheless, it can be debated that taking care of innocent creatures commands an even higher level of social responsibility. As a result, Alan’s animal crimes are perceived …show more content…

They’re free” (p. 44). By suggesting he wants to be a cowboy, Alan implies that he knows his self-made religion is not a socially-responsible or acceptable desire. Thus, Alan expressing his desire not to be viewed as a horse-worshipper shows that he is dissatisfied pursuing his desires without considering his social responsibility.
At the play’s climax, Alan is confronted with two choices: follow his immediate desire for intimacy with his girlfriend Jill or stay loyal to Equus, his original desire. Although desiring Jill is not socially-irresponsible, the presence of another desire, Equus, distorts his beliefs. Shaffer juxtaposing both of Alan’s desires forces him to sacrifice his social responsibility to minimise his extremely conflicted emotions. Nonetheless, in the aftermath, Alan is shown to have lasting guilt over surrendering his social responsibility, highlighting the lack of resolution for his

Get Access