Arcadia

Why does Stoppard set his play in two different time periods? How do the nonlinear timeline and the shared physical location affect the play? How do they relate to the play’s key themes and ideas?

Consider the role of the gardens and the idea of “Arcadia.” What is the significance of the play’s title? What do the gardens represent?

Characters are often searching for truth and knowledge. Are these the same thing? How do Thomasina, Hannah, and Bernard differ in their own searches? What might the play be saying about the search for truth more generally?