Please enable JavaScript.
Coggle requires JavaScript to display documents.
Alan - Equus - Coggle Diagram
Alan - Equus
Quotes
- "[During the ride however the speed increases, and the light decreases until it is only a fierce spotlight on horse and ride, with the overspill glinting on the other masks leaning in towards them.]" - Stage directions, Pg. 73. The lights are powerfully used in the illustration of Alan's sexual encounters with Equus to accentuate their intimate and sacred nature. 'Light decreases' on the stage as an elimination of all distractions. 'Only a fierce spotlight on horse and ride' remains, and this show of Alan and Equus in complete isolation heightens their intimacy and merging into 'one person. the 'overspill glinting on the other masks' reminds the audience of the horses' divine nature, emphasising that this is a religious practice, rather than sexual
- "Eyes!...White eyes - never closed! Eyes like flames - coming - coming!...God seest! God seest!...NO!...No more. No more, Equus" - Alan Pg 105. Dark light is suggestive of Alan's Psyche and the world of Equus. THe contrast between the darkening stage and the light colour of Equus' eyes should be noted as they are described by Alan to resemble 'flames', which creates the impression of danger. Although this reflects the mental anguish Alan is experiencing, the contrast also emphasises Equus's all seeing nature as his 'white eyes' penetrate the blackening stage to reflect Equus's menacing and ruthless nature.
- "I couldn't take my eyes off them. Just to watch their skins. The way their necks twist, and sweat shines in the folds..." - Alan Strang, Act 1 Scene 13. This is the first time Alan describes his true attraction to horses. He focuses greatly on their physicality, describing them sexually. This shows that horses have more than just a spiritual appeal to Alan: he was initially attracted to them for the power in their bodies, and was appalled by the way humans restricted this power and freedom through the chains and bits they used to control them.
- "Behold- I give you Equus, my only begotten son!" - Alan, Act 1 Scene 14. This quote, taken from Alan's chanting in front of the horse photo hanging in his room, confirms that Equus has become representative of Christ in Alan's mind. Equus is a christlike figure in many ways, from his omnipresence in Alan's life to his wearing chains to bear the sins of humanity. This moment reveals how intensely Alan worships these creatures, and lets Dysart know exactly what he would be taking away by treating Alan
- "Equus... Noble Equus... Faithful and True... God-slave... Though-God-Seest- Nothing!" - Alan, Act 2 Scene 34. these are the final words of Alan before blinding the 6 horses. He can't stand the idea of his God, Equus, constantly judging and watching him. This epitomizes the pain that Alan has suffered as a result of his intense worship, the pain that Hesther insists that Dysart must remove
Costume
Colour
- Dark Green shirt to show the time periods of the 70s, as it was a popular colour to wear during this era. But also to show the envy Alan possess as he isn't allowed to feel sexual attraction in the way he wishes and many of his beliefs are critised and he is told he must rid them in order to fit into society.
- Brown straight leg trousers to once more show the style for young men in the 70s. Also too that Alan is one with nature and loves to be in nature with horses and the colour brown can symbolise this.
Fit
- well fitting, potentially slightly too small to show that his mother is still the one buying him clothing
Condition
- In the beginning of the play very put together to try and show that he recognises the professional environment of the psychiatry ward. However, as the play continues his clothes and hair becomes more messy as Dysart loosen up, so does Alan. showing not only that Dysart and Alan have become more comfortable with each but that they are both descenting into deep rage and madness when discussing Alan's 'issues'
Accesories
- Wears a cross necklace, to show that his mother has brought him up in a religious household, even though his father disapproves.
-
Themes surrounding Alan
Religion
- Horses are Alan's personal religion. He worships Equus as his God, equating him to Jesus and insisting that he wears a chains to pay for humanity's sins.
- The unique religion Alan follows is what gives Alan his sense of self, and Dysart says that to take away a person's worship is the worst thing someone could possibly do. Dysart himself wishes he could feel such a strong religious calling, and he is fascinated by the Ancient Greek
Sexuality
- As a 17 year old, Alan is attempting to balance his budding sexual desires with his strong will to please his god, Equus. He describes his moments with the horses with sexual excitement, which sets up an intimacy between the 2 that make it all the more blasphemous when he attempts to sleep with Jill
Pain
- Hesther's main argument behind wanting Dysart to continue treating Alan is that the boy is in pain, and that Dysart can take this pain away. Dysart argues that the cause of this pain might not be entirely unwanted, which sets up another major theme of the play. Removing this pain comes with a price, as this pain is a product of Alan's extreme passion.
- Removing this pain would be to remove the passion as well, and without this passion, Alan would have very little left of himself.
-