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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 did Alan do the night before, according to the opening of scene 15?

2. Who is Alan standing next to as the play opens?

3. Who reassures Dysart about his dream?

4. Who are the victims in the ritual killings in the dream?

5. Where does Alan live right now?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does Frank think of the way Dora raised Alan?

3. What kind of deal does Alan make with Dysart?

4. When Dysart asks Alan who took him first to the stables, what does Alan do?

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

6. What is the reasoning for Alan's choice of King John as his favorite king of England?

7. What does Dysart apologize to Alan for?

8. What does Jill notice about Alan and his fascination with eyes?

9. What is the significance of the horse picture?

10. What does the first tape from Alan contain?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 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

The power struggle between Alan and Dysart is evident from the start. This power is something they both want and yet want to give up, it seems.

Part 1: What are some of the ways both Alan and Dysart attempt to gain power in their relationship?

Part 2: Honesty is the one thing they both want from the other - why is this?

Part 3: Why do Dysart and Alan both need power in this relationship? What do both stand to gain?

(see the answer keys)

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