Motif of monologue
Various characters in the novel have inner conflict that they keep to themselves. For example, In Polina's diary, after she met Isaac, she wonders whether that was the beginning of love or was it love. For instance, Leo wonders whether Polina knew she was under investigation and wrote about love to confuse Grigori.These instances and others that are highlighted in the novel seek to show the deepest feelings of the characters.
Motif of storytelling
As we meet a new character in the novel, The narrator tells us stories about the character. For example as Lee is introduced as a member of the secret police, a story of how he examined his first diary is told. In another instance, Austin who is an American musician is introduced as his life in New York is narrated. These stories give insight to the characters' lives and builds the plot.
The falling snow in Moscow
The snow was a symbol of the bad times that the citizens were going through. The snow which made the place unbearably cold is a symbol of the government that oppressed the citizens. At that time, the Soviet Union did not allow its citizens to have free will or even freedom of expression.
Polina is a symbol of those who suffered at the time of the Soviet Union
Polina is a representation of the suffering of the citizens of the Soviet Union. She was investigated and executed because she had drawn the statue of Liberty in her diary. The investigation was carried out to determine whether she was an enemy or a critic of the state. Her drawing was what convicted her. Many others suffered as a result of minute evidence that was used to convict them.
Leo was a Symbol of Power
While Leo worked with the secret police, he embodied power to the extent that the local citizens were afraid of him. The uniform he wore made him feared by people since it represented the government that was cruel and harsh to its citizens. On one instance, he scared older men into silence because he knew that they were greatly terrified by him.
