'Equus', Peter Shaffer: Context

Revision questions based on the context of Peter Shaffer's 'Equus'

Describe the state of households in the 1970’s (and how that was achieved)

Anti-materialistic (household tech advances)

Give two examples of anti-materialism portrayed in Equus.

Alan singing advert jingles (Scene 3), brands mentioned (Scene 15)

What act in the 1970’s indicated progression for women in the workplace?

Equal Pay Act (1970)

Describe the portrayal of women in the workplace through one character in Equus.

Dora - working, not present enough to help Alan - women moving to the workplace had an adverse effect on raising children

Give two features of progression regarding sex and sexuality in the 1970’s.

Free contraception, Sex Discrimination Act

What led to violent/radical action in the 1970’s?

Economic crisis and class frustration

Name three things that occurred in response to 1970’s class frustration and economic crisis.

Strike action, rioting and violence, rise in fascism

How did Shaffer view the strikes?

Strikes occurred due to a lack of investment and frustration in the working class, leading to violence

What style of theatre was Shaffer influenced by when writing Equus?

Greek theatre

What were the themes of Greek theatre centered around? (similar ideas are also present in Equus)

Worship/the gods

Give two features of costumes in conventional Ancient Greek theatre.

Masks, symbolic costumes

Name 4-6 functions of a Greek chorus.

Agent for actors, establish an ethical framework, ideal spectator, set mood/heighten dramatic effects, movement, rhythmical function

Who in Equus acts as the chorus?

Dysart

What was developed in Ancient Greece and for what reasons? (3)

Social hierarchies - to create structure and a blueprint for a civilised society

What two Greek Gods’ natures/personalities do Alan and Dysart allude to?

Apollo and Dionysus (Alan = Dionysian and Dysart = Apollonian)

What are the Apollonian qualities present in Dysart? (2)

Rational thinking, logical

What are the Dionysian qualities present in Alan? (3)

Irrationality, chaos, driven by instincts