Rings
Before he leaves to join Valentine in Milan, Proteus exchanges rings with Julia. The rings symbolize their love and devotion to one another. However, the rings then becomes a symbol of betrayal as Proteus attempts to give the ring to Sylvia by way of Sebastian (Julia).
The Woods
The latter half of the play takes place in the woods surrounding Milan. The woods are home to the gang of outlaws that Valentine leads, and they are also the place where Proteus threatens to rape Silvia. The woods symbolize a space outside the social system established in the city, meaning that characters can act more freely (and, in some cases, more dangerously). However, the woods are also the place where the conflict between Proteus and Valentine is reconciled and where the two couples (Silvia/Valentine and Proteus/Julia) are finally united. As such, the woods also serve as a type of refuge from society where information is revealed and problems can be resolved.
Letters
Letters appear throughout The Two Gentlemen of Verona as a symbol of honest communication. In a play that features so many examples of deception, the letters that appear throughout the play – usually love letters – often express characters' true feelings and intentions. As such, letters are used to discover deeper truths about characters over the course of the performance.
NIghtingales
While bemoaning his exile in the forest, Valentine sympathizes with the song of a nightingale. The nightingale becomes, for Valentine, a symbol of mourning and lament. The nightingale also has a mythical precedent as well, as it recalls the story of Philomela from ancient Greek mythology. Philomela was raped by Tereus and transformed into a nightingale whose song mourned the loss of her virginity. When Valentine communes with the nightingale in the forest, it is only moments before Proteus's attempted rape of Silvia – a fate from which Valentine saves her.
Crab
Crab the dog was a fan-favorite character during the original performances of The Two Gentlemen of Verona, despite the relative unpopularity of the play. He is also an important symbol of love and devotion (and the opposite – neglect and disloyalty). Launce's relationship with Crab parodies the romantic relationships in the play, as Launce remains entirely devoted to his ill-behaved dog who seems to care little about his owner's affections.
