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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. Who does Alan say understands?

2. What did Dora used to do for a living?

3. Who talked to Alan about the biological details of the answer to #48?

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

5. Where does Alan live right now?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the dream the Dysart has at the beginning of Scene 5.

2. What does Dysart tell Alan after Alan has told him about the scene in the stable?

3. Who does Dysart blame for some of his current self doubts?

4. What does Jill have to share about her mom's views of dating?

5. What happened on the day that Alan had his first encounter with a horse?

6. Why does Alan have troubles performing with Jill?

7. How did Dora encourage the love of horses in Alan?

8. How did Alan learn to ride Equus/Nugget?

9. What has Alan done that has caused him to be a part of the mental hospital?

10. What does Alan have to say about the things he said when he was under hypnosis?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The first time Alan encounters a horse is a memorable event for him. The Horseman helps Alan discover his love and longing for the animals.

Part 1: Why is this moment so important for Alan? What causes this moment to follow Alan the rest of his life?

Part 2: Why does Frank become so angry about this meeting with the Horseman? What does he do in response?

Part 3: What do you think of the Horseman? What does he seem to represent in Alan's life?

Essay Topic 2

The relationships between husband and wife are also questioned in this play.

Part 1: Describe the relationship between Dora and Frank.

Part 2: Describe the relationship between Dysart and his wife.

Part 3: What do these relationships seem to say about marriage in general? Does the author seem to be making a statement about love relationships?

Essay Topic 3

The horses come to Alan and tell him to never be with a woman again, a powerful part of this play's conclusion.

Part 1: Do you think Alan can maintain this promise to the horses? Why or why not?

Part 2: Why do you think this promise is asked of Alan by the horses?

Part 3: Why does Alan blind the horses in the end? What is he symbolically trying to blind from seeing?

(see the answer keys)

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