Plot Summary

Equus

Peter Shaffer
Guide cover placeholder

Equus

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1973

Book Brief

Peter Shaffer

Equus

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1973
Book Details
Pages

128

Format

Play • Fiction

Setting

England • 1970s

Publication Year

1973

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Equus by Peter Shaffer centers on a young man, Alan Strang, who develops a pathological religious obsession with horses and the psychiatrist, Martin Dysart, who attempts to understand and treat him. Inspired by a true story of horse mutilation, the play explores themes of religious fixation, individuality versus societal norms, and psychological conflict. Sensitive topics include violence and religious extremism.

Mysterious

Dark

Unnerving

Melancholic

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.2

22,483 ratings

70%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Peter Shaffer's Equus is lauded for its psychological depth and compelling exploration of human obsession and passion. Critics praise the intensity of its narrative and the richness of its characters. However, some find its themes too disturbing and its structure somewhat contrived. Overall, it is a powerful, if at times unsettling, drama.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Equus?

Readers who enjoy psychological drama and explore the human psyche would be captivated by Peter Shaffer's Equus. Comparable to those who appreciate the depth of character in works like Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment or Kesey's One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, this play delves into complex relationships and moral ambiguities.

4.2

22,483 ratings

70%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

128

Format

Play • Fiction

Setting

England • 1970s

Publication Year

1973

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Buy This Book

We’re just getting started

Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!