Notebook

Paul’s notebook symbolizes the fruitless struggle to understand love. For years, Paul keeps a notebook in which he writes various ideas and sayings about love, as he wishes to establish consistent principles by which love can be understood. However, the only conclusion Paul reaches is that love is exceedingly contradictory and can be felt but never understood.

Tennis

Tennis symbolizes first encounters. Paul and Susan first meet at the local tennis club, and they quickly establish a type of easy banter between them. Paul often drives Susan back to her home from the club, and this becomes the initial pattern of their relationship. Thus, tennis is a catalyst for the beginning of their deeper relationship.

Casey

Casey symbolizes initial attraction and attachment. After Paul and Susan become acquainted at the tennis club, Susan gives Paul the nickname Casey, and she continues to use this nickname...