We were not friends
One of the common motifs which appears in the play is Margrethe claim that she and her husband, Bohr, were never friends with Heisenberg. Bohr tries to convince Margrethe it was not true, and that they were indeed friends but Margrethe refuses to accept this, claiming that since the Germans and Denmark were at war, there could never be a relationship of friendship between them.
Symbol for the German oppression
When Heisenberg arrived in Copenhagen, he was scheduled to give a speech at the general assembly place of the Nazi party. Upon hearing this, Bohr refused to go there and meet with Heisenberg, even though he was his pupil once. The reason behind this is that the building where the speech was scheduled to be held became a symbol for the Nazi oppression. Because of this, Bohr and Margrethe refused to go there, feeling as if they were transmitting they idea they agree with the ideology if they go inside the building.
The flame
In the scene when Bohr and Heisenberg meets once more in 1941, Margrethe describes the event as a spark, a fire which made both men to forget everything they promised themselves they will not do and throw every caution in the wind. The flame is linked here with the idea of hope for a better future, for civility and peace. Thus, because of this association, the flame is used as a symbol for hope.
The hand
Heisenberg talks about Bohr and the first time they meet, during a lecture held by Bohr. Heisenberg compares the way Bohr treated the German scientists with the way a person who is in a superior position may treat someone who is in pain. Heisenberg mentioned the ‘’hand’’ Bohr gave to him and the other scientists and in this case, the hand is used as a symbol for his positive attitude and unbiased opinions.
Important things can’t be discussed inside
Another common motif in the play is the idea that nothing of great importance can be discussed inside the house. The reason why Bohr and his wife claims these things is that they are afraid they will be listened by the Nazi. Because of this, the characters are careful not discuss anything of greater importance inside the house.
