The game of hearts
The main symbol in the play appears in the first act when the characters are busy with a game of hearts. The characters are extremely invested in the game and appear to be willing to do everything to win. The game of hearts is used here as a symbol of the relationship between the main characters. The characters see their relationships as games they must do everything to win, no matter the consequences. Because of this, the characters often lie and cheat just to get what they want.
Why can't a woman love two men?
One of the main motifs in the play is the efforts put by the main characters in answering the above-mentioned question. The women in the play seem unable to love only one man and they ask themselves why it is not socially acceptable to be involved with more than one person at once. This question is debated all throughout the play and it is one of its main motifs.
A better future
Another common motif found in the play is the idea that the parents want something better for their children. This is repeated time and time again, especially by Vera who wants her son to have everything she could never have. This desire to ensure a good future for their children is the driving force behind some of the actions made by the characters and is also used to explain why some characters behave in a seemingly strange way.
Stumbling upon a secret
Another common motif in the play is the way in which other characters stumble upon a scene they are not supposed to see. Because of this some of the deepest secrets of the characters are revealed to the viewer. This is used as a way through which the author maintains the interest of the public and reveals little by little the plot of the play.
Education
Education is another symbol used in the play. For the characters, education is extremely important and they see it as a motive to be prideful and to claim superiority over the other characters. Education is generally seen as a symbol for class and money and it is also seen as the mean through which a person can gain happiness in life.
Bow and arrows (symbol)
The first introduction of Beliayev happens when little Kolia runs into the room with a bow and arrows and exclaims that it is his new teacher who has taught him to use these toys. Then, in the turn of the conversation, it becomes obvious that Beliayev is here also to teach Kolia swimming, climbing trees, and other things boys do in the country. But the problem is that a teacher is not supposed to teach such things; it is a father or elder brother who should teach a boy all the stuff. In Kolia’s case it is Beliayev, and it is ironic. In context, the bow and arrows acquire symbolic meaning for parenthood which Kolia lacks so much from the side of his own father.
The story (symbol)
Doctor Shpigelsky visits the Islayevs and tells Natalya Petrovna a funny story of a neighbor girl who was supposed to get married soon. The engagement has already took place, but during one of the balls she got acquainted with another man and denied to marry the first. Her father was sure she would marry the second, but when “the second” came to ask her hand she denied as well. She told that she loved both and could not understand whom she loved more, so to be fear she decided to leave them both and never get married at all. Natalya Petrovna finds it possible that a girl might love two young men at once, and she finds nothing funny about the story. This story becomes symbolic for Natalys Petrovna as within next few days she realizes that she is in love with Beliayev and with Ratikin, who is her old affection. And compared to the girl’s, Natalya Petrovna’s situation is much worse, as she is already married and there is Arkadiy, her husband, who needs her love as well.
The note (symbol)
In the very end of the play, when Belyaev leaves the house, he asks Vera to give the note to Natalya Petrovna. This note is his the only explanation of his urgent departure. The content of the note is unknown for the audience, only Natalya Petrovna knows what it is in it, but she does not say it anyway, and when she is reading it, she at once perceives that Belyaev has gone. This note is symbolic, as it shows how scared and unsophisticated Belyaev is. If he had spoken with Natalya Petrovna instead of writing her, he would give way and would stay. To write a note was the only possible way for his to say farewell.
