Every time he explained it, it became harder to understand
In the first conversation between Bohr and Margrethe, Bohr tries to understand why his wife is so interested in finding about the conversation he had with Heisenberg. Bohr also has trouble understanding why Margrethe is still unsure about the subject discussed, since both he and Heisenberg explained it to her many times. Then, the explain herself, Margrethe claims that ironically, while this was explained to her time and time again, every time she heard the explanation she understood it even less.
The White Jew
One of the ideas transmitted in the play is how Heisenberg was an unpopular figure in his own country, being referred to in the press as the "White Jew’’. As a result, Heisenberg has troubles finding work and when he did find a teaching position, it was not at a prestigious university. After knowing these elements, readers will discern that it is ironic to see how Heisenberg was named head of the nuclear program in Germany, working for the people who did almost everything to make sure he would be constantly criticized and that he would struggle to find job and have enough money to sustain himself.
There is no way they can use it!
In the play, Bohr is sure nuclear fusion will never be used as a weapon by anyone in this world, no matter how much they try. Margrethe on the other hand does not believe this to be the true and tries to argue with her husband that she is right. She points out that, even though Bohr was certain nuclear fusion could never be used as a weapon, scientists in other countries continued, ironically, to work tirelessly on it and to try and make something out of it. For Margrethe, it is ironic how everyone works on it even though they claim it will never have any use.
It is resolved
When Bohr and Heisenberg talk about the time when Heisenberg was detained and questioned by the Nazi intelligence, Heisenberg goes to claim that everything was resolved then and his life has been much better from that day on. He also claims he no longer has any connection with the Nazi intelligence officers, something which is not true. Ironically, no one says anything, even though all three are aware of the people following Heisenberg as listening in on his every conversation.
I feel sorry for him
In the beginning of the play, Margrethe is the one who is most vocal and who expresses her hatered towards Heisenberg, seeing him as an enemy. Bohr, on the other hand, tries to take his side and sway Margrethe’s opinion about Heisenberg. When Heisenberg goes to Bohr’s house, he makes a few bad remarks which in turn make Bohr feel extremely angry. In that moment, Bohr turns against Heisenberg, even though he was the one who insisted Heisenberg go to their house and visit them, while Margrethe, ironically starts taking Heisenberg’s side and feeling sorry for him. In the end, Margrethe is the one who tries to temper Bohr and his anger towards Heisenberg.
