Equus scenes 5 + 6 analysis

Through Dysart’s monologue, the motif of human conflicts is developed. It makes the audience wonder whether Dysart really knows where he stands. In his dream, when his mask slips and he is forced to be removed from his high position, it symbolises how Dysart may lose his place in society. He follows the rules of society by having a professional job, but when Alan makes him question his role, Dysart questions if he truly does belong in society. It makes the audience wonder what the purpose of the different roles in society is and whether we truly reside in it.

Dysart’s disturbed mind is highlighted through the use of the semantic field of cutting (“carving” “snipping” “slice elegantly”). This…