Equus (Penguin Plays) by Peter Shaffer Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Equus (Penguin Plays)
Book Review: Frightening, yet powerful
Summary: 4 Stars
Equus is a hard-hitting dramatic work that will make readers question their beliefs in mental illness, religion (particularly Christianity), and the emotional and spiritual emptiness described in most adults as 'normal behavior.' Schaffer achieves a nearly unthinkable task at making his audience almost feel sympathy for Alan, a young man who has cruelly blinded six horses. Along Dysart's (the psychiatrist who must discover why Alan has committed such a horrible crime) and the reader's journey through Alan's tortured life and mind, the reader comes to partially understand and all but accept Alan's deed as a man's faith betraying him. Dysart, paralelling Alan in the 'normal' world, experiences that loss of worship in a far different, yet equally devastating manner.
I suggest seeing the play performed if at all possible. Seeing Equus live-action truly brings it's horrific brilliance to life.
Book Review: Good Will Hunting---inspired by Shaffer?
Summary: 5 Stars
Equus is by far one of the most incredile plays ever written. I played Alan Strang nearly five years ago at the Eastern Slope Playhouse in NH and have been in love with theater ever since. Now, to my point: Have any of you seen Good Will Hunting? Have you also seen or read Equus? I am surprised that noone in the entertainment community has made the connection before. There are just too many similiarities---Good Will Hunting is Equus for the 90s, with a happier ending, and a small circle of friends. Peter Shaffer;s Equus is the original and, in all ways, is superior. Read this play!!Book Review: He blinded six horses with a metal spike...
Summary: 5 Stars
My GCSE (16+ exams) English coursework title - "What makes 'Equus' a powerful play?" After rattling on for 6 sides, I realised that I was never going to have enough time, energy left in my hand or ink left in my pen to complete the assignment. Everything about this play, the religion, sexual connotations and deep misunderstandings about the human mind contribute to a most disturbing atmosphere created by Schaffer, which works effectively to produce 'Equus'. And just a note to anybody who had read the book, and something to encourage you future readers - look deeply into the names of the characters, Alan, Dora and Frank Strang. If you get out a name dictionary, you may discover something very interesting...
Book Review: Interested in religious psych?
Summary: 5 Stars
The first time I read this play was for an English class. Immediately I was caught up by Schaffer's headlong dive into one of dearest interests - religious psychology. This play pulled me in not only through it's incredible plot and character development, but through the solidarity of the writing. _Equus_ has become my favorite play. I haven't been lucky enough to see a stage performance of it, but if it's ever playing near you, I urge you to see it. You won't be disappointed. And if I've been at all successful in telling you how amazing and worthwhile this play is - READ IT.Book Review: Interesting play
Summary: 2 Stars
A very strange play. That's about all I can say to sum this play up. Very strange and disturbing.