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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is Dysart's answer to Alan's question about his dream?

2. Where does Alan hear about the white horse?

3. What is Dysart's profession?

4. Finally, what does Alan answer to Dysart's question about where he first encountered a horse?

5. What happened when Alan's dad took away the picture in #74?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Dysart do when Alan has a nightmare and shouts "Eck" over and over?

2. What is the secret that Frank shares with Dysart?

3. What are some other ways Alan will change when he is normal?

4. What happens frequently when Alan is having his nightmares?

5. What do Frank and Dora share with Dysart about Alan that surprised them?

6. What does Hesther make of the dream that Dysart shares with her?

7. What is the horseman's response to Franks' reaction?

8. What did Alan do when the court asked him for an explanation for his actions?

9. Describe the entrance of Jill into Alan's life.

10. What is the one word answer that Alan gives Dysart and what was the question?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Religion is an important part of this play, with symbolism and references throughout the pages.

Part 1: What is the relationship between Alan and religion? How does he feel about it? What does it mean for him?

Part 2: Compare and contrast Alan's parents' feelings about religion and faith.

Part 3: What are Dysart's ideas about faith and religion? How do these affect his understanding of Alan?

Essay Topic 2

Another question that is brought up in "Equus" is the idea of accountability for one's actions.

Part 1: How do you define being personally accountable for your actions? What does this mean in your life?

Part 2: For what actions should Alan be held accountable? Support your answer.

Part 3: Do you feel Alan deserves to be in jail or in the mental hospital? Why?

Essay Topic 3

Dysart views himself as someone who can save the children he works with, but this is enmeshed with the idea that he could also harm them if he wished.

Part 1: What does the dream in Act 1, Scene 5 have to say about Dysart's feelings about his role in the therapy process?

Part 2: What does Dysart do to prevent the dissection of the patients he sees?

Part 3: In the play,do you feel dissection of Alan is necessary for Dysart's work with him? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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