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Related Experiment Videos

Peter Shaffer's Equus--a psychoanalytic exploration.

J L Stamm

    International Journal of Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy
    |January 1, 1976
    PubMed
    Summary
    This summary is machine-generated.

    This analysis explores the psychodynamics of Alan and Dysart in Equus, revealing how the playwright integrated a real event into his fantasies using sophisticated ego functions and Greek mythology. The work creatively synthesizes primary and secondary process thinking.

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    Area of Science:

    • Psychology
    • Literary Analysis
    • Psychoanalytic Theory

    Background:

    • The play Equus by Peter Shaffer.
    • The protagonist Alan Strang and his psychiatrist Martin Dysart.
    • The real-life event of horses being blinded.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To analytically explore the psychodynamics of Alan and Dysart.
    • To examine the integration of a real event into the author's fantasies.
    • To understand the use of ego functions and mythological symbolism.

    Main Methods:

    • Psychoanalytic interpretation of character psychodynamics.
    • Analysis of the playwright's creative process.
    • Examination of primary and secondary process thinking and symbolism.

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    Main Results:

    • The playwright masterfully wove a real event into his personal fantasies.
    • Sophisticated ego functions were employed to express these fantasies through Greek mythology.
    • The play represents a creative synthesis of id and ego, utilizing mythopoetic expression.

    Conclusions:

    • Equus is a profound creative work integrating psychological depth with mythological narrative.
    • The play demonstrates the power of sophisticated ego functions in artistic expression.
    • The synthesis of primal urges and ego defenses creates a compelling mythopoetic experience.