Art
The entire play is based around whether or not an all white painting with a few white stripes upon the canvas qualifies as art or not. This play itself acts in a similar way as Yasmina Reza does not create traditional acts in the structure but instead divided into sections. The play is a metaphor for what is considered art as it steps outside the normal standards of what critics and audiences consider a play as Reza re-structures the story in this way.
Personal
The argument between Serge and Marc becomes quite personal by the end of the play. No longer is the disagreement about art, but instead about the character of the other man. This is a metaphor for how we allow for an inanimate object to dictate our personal feelings and beliefs about the nature of another human being. It (the opinion of the art) becomes ones case against another man. Rather than being accepted for a belief that does not physically or morally harm anyone, he is rejected categorically for it.
Yvan
Yvan sides with both Marc and Serge when he is alone with them in order to appease their need to be "right". This is a metaphor for the fact that Yvan's circumstances in life (he's about to get married) are far more important to him than a seemingly petty fight about art. It also shows that he values his friendships more than his need to choose a side.
200,000 Francs
We learn that Serge has paid 200,000 francs for his painting that is all white. This is a metaphor for the reality of the art world's pricing being based upon speculation, reputation and the ability of a gallery to sell a work that can inflate or deflate the value of art year to year.
Painting
The white painting causes quite a row between Marc and Serge. It is a metaphor for the subjective viewpoints of life and how many people are incapable of living their lives alongside others who have different beliefs than them. It represents humanities need to mold our friendships into personalities that we enjoy, but don't challenge us.
