Clark Davis
Clark Davis is a symbol for the "low of the low." He is an immoral person who admits to his cellmate Juan that he is a pedophile. Despite his admissions, he is set to be released at the end of the play due to a lack of evidence. As such, he symbolizes the fact that sometimes the legal system fails.
Juan
Juan symbolizes empathy and understanding. He listens to Clark's admissions and tries to protect him against ensuing violence, despite his own disgust. As such, Juan also symbolizes a sort of objective morality, who opposes violence and asserts that human life is intrinsically valuable.
Prison
In this play, the prison setting is used to reflect a claustrophobic version of the outer world. Within the prison we see relationships, interactions, and themes playing out that we might see in the outside world.
Clark's release
The fact that it is decided Clark should be released from prison ultimately represents the failings of the legal system. In the play, Clark admits that he has committed crimes in the past, but he is set to be released due to a lack of evidence.
"On the gate"
The phrase "on the gate" is a key motif that is used repeatedly in the text. "On the gate" is used to refer to the period of time just before an inmate is released. As such, it suggests that these men sit in the boundary between two separate worlds.
