In literature, a symbol is an object or element that stands in for another concept, often conveying deeper layers of meaning. In Nathaniel Hawthorne's renowned novel The Scarlet Letter, for instance, the scarlet letter “A” worn by Hester Prynne symbolizes not just her alleged sin of adultery, but also the prejudice of her community and her own resilient pride. Similarly, Strindberg utilizes numerous symbols in The Ghost Sonata to impart profound meanings to his audience. Reflect on the significance of the Old Man's wheelchair, the Girl's hyacinth flowers, and the pendulum clock as symbols within the play. What might each symbolize? How are they perceived by different characters? How do they shape your comprehension of the plot? What are some other pivotal symbols in the play and how are they employed?

The structure of The Ghost Sonata is inspired by a specific type of chamber music. A "sonata" is a musical composition typically in three or four parts, featuring independent movements that differ in key, mood, and tempo. Usually, the first section of a sonata is the exposition, where a theme is presented, followed by a development section, and concluding with a recapitulation of the theme. Listen to one of Mozart’s numerous piano or violin sonatas, Haydn’s Sonata No. 19 in D-major, or Beethoven’s D-minor piano sonata, and explore how Strindberg’s play mirrors this chamber music form. Pay attention to the number of scenes, the progression of action in The Ghost Sonata, along with the themes and how they are interwoven into the plot and "recapitulated" towards the end.

A "motif" is a recurring theme or idea in a work of art. In The Ghost Sonata, death appears to be a predominant motif. In what various ways is death discussed, or how do images of death manifest in the play? What message or messages about death do you think the playwright aims to convey to his audience?

Several characters in The Ghost Sonata are identified by descriptive titles rather than proper names. Why do you think Strindberg opted to name some of the key characters in the play as "The Student," "The Old Man," "The Milkmaid," "The Colonel," and "The Girl," instead of giving them personal names? How does this choice influence your perception of the characters? Would you prefer if they had proper names? Why or why not?

The Ghost Sonata is frequently compared to the absurdist plays of the mid-20th century. Read a play by the celebrated absurdist playwright Samuel Beckett, such as Waiting for Godot (1952) or Endgame (1958). How do the characters in each play resemble one another? How does each play approach serious themes like human relationships and death? Can you identify instances where humor emerges in unexpected places in both plays? What impact does this have?