Morality Motif
The play is largely about morality, and the motif of morality is present throughout. In actual fact it sometimes seems as though immorality is the presiding motif, because of the character of Sarah and also because of the actions of George. There is a strong suggestion that morality is not influenced by someone's actual character; it is behavioral, in that Sarah, the "brains" behind the schemes, has no morals whatsoever, but George, the physical perpetrator of the crimes, is a man who has clearly defined morals and a moral code. The motif of immorality is also shown in terms of society at the time, and its view on what constituted morality and what did not.
Sarah as a Symbol
It is debatable whether Sarah is immoral or amoral, because she seems to have no concept of morality other than as a societal barometer that judges how a person shall be treated of punished. Sarah is a symbol of the immoral, and of what can happen when this is allowed to influence one's behavior. She is seen to have no propriety - she entertains men in her home overnight - and has no trouble lying and scheming to get what she wants. She also sways George to do wrong, which is also immoral. Sarah is almost a cautionary tale and she symbolizes what can happen when one does not pay attention to morality.
Forgiveness Motif
There is a strong motif of forgiveness in the play, especially at the end. George cannot forgive himself for what he has done. He is filled with remorse; however, others in the play feel the need to forgive him and to encourage him to forgive himself. His uncle forgives him indirectly, forgiving his murderer whom he has no idea to be George. Thorowgood also forgives George, believing that he acted in a way that was largely out of character. He encourages George to forgive himself, which is finally accomplished after George is counseled by a pastor and feels able to make peace with God.
Gentleman Caller Symbol
For a single woman in this era, having a gentleman to spend the night in your quarters was a symbol of immorality and a symbol that you were a woman who was to be avoided if one did not want to get into trouble or find oneself tarred with the same brush of immorality.
George Symbol
George symbolizes the trouble a good person can get into when they do not have a moral backbone. George is a decent man, but spineless and is unable to stand up to Sarah or to stop the events of the play spiraling out of control. His character is symbolic, and also a warning, to the play's audience, of the dangers of succumbing to temptation and being led astray.
