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

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Alan say his stories were during scene 24?

2. Dora: I only know he was my little Alan, and then the ______ came.

3. What is the name of the game Dysart wants he and Alan to play?

4. How far did Jill and Alan have to walk home?

5. Does Alan want to leave the hospital?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

Alan's obsession with horses and his obvious sexual attraction to them seems startling to many readers and viewers of "Equus." At the same time, it's a theme that can be explored on many levels.

Part 1: Why do you think the author chose horses for Alan's obsession? What makes horses the ideal targets of his lust?

Part 2: While there is an obvious sexual attraction to the horses, how else could this attraction be explained? What else might Alan be lusting for in his life? Why?

Part 3: When the idea of the horse and the man becoming one is mentioned, what do you think this means? What is the outcome of this connection?

Essay Topic 3

The relationship between Dysart and Alan is a complicated one, to be sure. At times, they each seem to be helping each other, instead of one person helping more than another.

Part 1: What are some of the ways in which Dysart helps Alan?

Part 2: What are some of the ways in which Alan helps Dysart?

Part 3: Do you think Dysart is more concerned about himself or about Alan in their sessions?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 344 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample