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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 does Alan begin to sing about in response to Dysart's question about Eck?

2. What did Alan injure the horses with?

3. Who is the horse that used to be a main figure in the stories Alan would love to hear?

4. Where did Alan watch his TV?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens when Jill and Alan are sitting in the theatre?

2. What happens after Alan tells Equus there will be no more?

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

4. Describe Alan and Dalton's first meeting.

5. What happens when someone rides Equus, according to Alan?

6. What kind of worker was Alan, according to Dalton?

7. What is Frank's reaction to Alan's encounter with the horse?

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

9. What is Alan afraid of when he and Jill go back to the stables?

10. What is the next trick Dysart wants to use with Alan?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The relationship between Dysart and Hesther helps to guide the play and to show the reader how the story progressed for Alan.

Part 1: Why do you think Hesther is introduced in this play? What is her role in the story?

Part 2: What do you think Hesther is meant to symbolize in this play? What is her part in the relationship between Alan and Dysart?

Part 3: Is the character of Hesther necessary? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Dysart and Alan's relationship grows with each passing scene and with each new bit of information that is revealed.

Part 1: What does Dysart think of Alan at the beginning of the play? How does this change as the play goes on?

Part 2: Why does Dysart call Alan a 'last straw'? What is the meaning of this phrase?

Part 3: Do you think Dysart genuinely cares about Alan? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 650 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample