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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
This 5 page paper delves into themes present in Equus. Emphasis is on Alan's upbringing and themes include religion, communication and cultural relativity. No additional sources cited.
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5 pages (~225 words per page)
File: RT13_SA006Equ.rtf
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his objections on political issues, mass media and other secular concerns. Both parents display a decided lack of understanding and the boy is characterized by singing jingles from television and
worshiping horses. A psychiatrist, Martin Dysart, enters the picture around the time that the lad blinds five horses. Alans love of horses is everpresent and his worship of the beast
is rather apparent, despite the brutal episode. The psychiatrist seems to be intrigued by Alans unrelenting faith. In the play, the psychiatrists revelations are almost as important as Alans. What
makes his insights important is that the issue of faith or passion is raised. Alan has a childlike faith, albeit displaced. But what does that mean? Is it bad? Is
this passion normal? Perhaps the main theme of the play has to do with normalcy. What is normal. Was his mother, who was a religious fanatic, really normal? Was that
good? But Alans behavior borders on ritualistic abuse. At the same time, there are religions such as Santeria, which are marginally acceptable, that also use animals as sacrifices. Even biblical
text contains evidence that in the beginning, there were animal sacrifices coupled with other rituals. However, Alan Strangs behavior is rather odd and the animals arent sacrificed. Further, he harms
them in an angry rage and it was not associated with any organized religion. He was the only one participating. Further, he was abusing the animals. Certainly, when he burned
out the eyes of the horses, they suffered. But the author seems to be asking a question, which is how can people judge right and wrong? Another element which broadens
the scope of the discussion is the sexual element of the play. Alan is sexually stimulated by the horses so that his obsession is more than just one of worship.
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