1. Time Shifts: The play shifts back and forth between the present, where Dysart is investigating Alan Strang's act of blinding six horses, and the past, when Alan was growing up and forming his intense connection with horses. This non-linear structure creates a sense of intrigue and anticipation, gradually revealing the events leading up to the central conflict.
2. Multiple Perspectives: The play presents the events through the eyes of different characters, including Dysart, Alan Strang, his parents Frank and Dora Strang, and Horseman, the head groom at the stables where Alan worked. This multifaceted narrative allows the audience to gain a deeper understanding of the characters and their motivations.
3. Symbolism: Shaffer employs various symbols throughout the play to enhance its thematic exploration. The horses themselves serve as symbols of freedom, sexuality, and untamed nature. The stable represents Alan's sanctuary and his connection with the equine world. The blinding of the horses symbolizes the destruction of innocence and the clash between human civilization and primal instincts.
4. Interrogations: The play features intense interrogation scenes between Dysart and Alan, where the psychiatrist delves into Alan's past and inner conflicts. These confrontations build suspense and reveal crucial information about Alan's motivations, adding layers of complexity to his character.
5. Ritualistic Elements: The play incorporates elements of ritual and religious symbolism. Alan's fascination with horses and his act of blinding them take on a ceremonial aspect, suggesting a deeper connection to ancient myths and rituals. The play's exploration of primal urges and the boundaries of human behavior is infused with these ritualistic undertones.
6. Dreams and Hallucinations: Both Dysart and Alan experience dreams and hallucinatory sequences that blur the lines between reality and the subconscious. These dreamlike states provide insights into the characters' inner thoughts, fears, and desires, deepening their psychological complexity.
Overall, Peter Shaffer's use of structural devices in Equus creates a dynamic and multilayered theatrical experience, enhancing the play's themes, character development, and emotional impact.