shaffer crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "shaffer crossword", you've come to the right place. Below you'll find all the potential answers, categorized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle quickly.
Solutions for "shaffer crossword" by Letter Count
3 Letters
SIR: This answer commonly refers to the title of address for Sir Peter Shaffer, the celebrated British playwright, who was knighted in 2001.
5 Letters
EQUUS: A highly acclaimed and often intense play by Peter Shaffer, exploring themes of psychology and religion. It premiered in 1973.
PETER: The first name of the well-known playwright Peter Shaffer. This answer is straightforward when the clue is looking for a first name related to a prominent figure.
7 Letters
AMADEUS: Perhaps Peter Shaffer's most famous work, this play depicts a fictional rivalry between Mozart and Salieri. It was adapted into an Oscar-winning film.
More About "shaffer crossword"
The clue "shaffer crossword" almost invariably points to Sir Peter Shaffer (1926–2016), a distinguished English playwright whose works have left an indelible mark on modern theatre. His plays are renowned for their intellectual depth, psychological complexity, and theatricality. Given his prominence, it's not surprising that his name, works, or associated titles frequently appear in crossword puzzles.
Shaffer's two most iconic plays, "Equus" and "Amadeus," are particularly common in crosswords. "Amadeus," a historical drama about the alleged rivalry between Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Antonio Salieri, garnered significant acclaim, winning a Tony Award for Best Play and later an Academy Award for its film adaptation. "Equus," on the other hand, is a more challenging and controversial piece exploring the relationship between a psychiatrist and a young man who blinds horses. Recognizing "Shaffer" in a clue can quickly lead solvers to these key plays, or even to the honorific "SIR" he received.
Understanding these connections is crucial for solving such clues. Crossword constructors often rely on widely recognized cultural figures and their most famous contributions. Peter Shaffer fits this perfectly, making his legacy a rich source for creative and challenging clues across various puzzle types.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Identify the Figure: When a clue like "shaffer crossword" uses a surname, immediately consider prominent figures with that name. Often, it's a person famous in arts, science, or history whose works or life events are common knowledge.
- Recall Famous Works/Associations: Once you identify the person (e.g., Peter Shaffer), brainstorm their most famous plays, books, inventions, or titles. These are the most likely answers. For Shaffer, think "Equus" or "Amadeus."
- Check Letter Count: After brainstorming potential answers, match them against the required letter count in your puzzle. This is key to narrowing down possibilities. If it's a short answer for Shaffer, "SIR" might be it.
- Consider Homophones/Wordplay: While less likely for direct biographical clues, always keep an eye out for wordplay or puns if a direct answer doesn't fit. However, for specific names, direct answers are usually the norm.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Shaffer in the context of crosswords?
In many crosswords, 'Shaffer' refers to Sir Peter Shaffer (1926-2016), a highly acclaimed British playwright known for his award-winning plays like 'Equus' and 'Amadeus'. His works often appear as answers or parts of clues due to their cultural significance.
What are some common plays by Peter Shaffer that appear in crosswords?
The most common plays by Peter Shaffer found in crosswords are 'Equus' and 'Amadeus'. 'Amadeus' is particularly popular due to its well-known film adaptation and distinct letter pattern.
How can identifying the author help solve a crossword clue?
Knowing the author, like Shaffer, can narrow down potential answers to their famous works, characters, or even biographical details (like 'SIR' for Peter Shaffer). It helps you recall specific titles or themes associated with that person, making it easier to fit into the given letter count.