The Storm
The storm symbolizes Stevie's irrepressible fury after discovering that her husband is cheating on her. Stevie learns of her husband's infidelity from a letter sent to her by Ross detailing her husband's confession of having an affair with Sylvia. Stevie promises to destroy everything, including Martin.
The Goat
The author uses the goat emblematically to represent Sylvia. The first time Stevie discovers that her husband has a strange smell, she jokingly says he was having an affair with a goat. Later, Martin confesses that he was having a sexual affair with Sylvia. The reader realizes that the goat is symbolic terminology used to refer to the secretive lover.
The Affection between Martin and Billy
The affectionate kiss between Martin and Billy symbolizes homosexuality. Scene One reveals that Billy's sexuality is complicated, but it is confirmed when Billy kisses his father affectionately in Scene Two. Their affection kissing is interrupted by the sudden arrival of Ross, who condemns the act using Biblical intervention. Martin reminds Ross that there is a difference between love and sexuality.
The symbolism of treachery
The author figuratively uses Ross's character in both Scene One and Two to symbolize betrayal. During the interview between Martin and Ross, Martin confesses that he secretly sees another woman called Sylvia behind his wife's back. The confession is meant to be confidential and a secret. Paradoxically, later Ross writes a letter to Stevie narrating the relationship between Martin and Sylvia. Therefore, Ross betrays Martin by telling his wife the matters they discussed privately in a letter.
