Equus and the psychopathology of passion

Peter Shaffer's play Equus is discussed in terms of its views on the concept of passion. The major characters show clear indications of psychopathological expressions of passion. Alan's pathology is highlighted by his psychotic identification with Equus and his binding of the horses. Dr. Dysart's pathology is seen in his greatly inhibited sense of passion. He envies Alan's passion and shows "countertransference" toward treating him. Both characters are studied in terms of level of object relations, ego functions, and unconscious fantasy.