Letters in Arcadia

• They're secret
• Different from the communication between characters that audience see
• Contain truth
• Things aren't always what they seem
• They burn in the fire and therefore create an incomplete picture, which is why Bernard gets confused
• Way of avoiding confrontation
• Insight into characters - Septimus' romantic side
• Poor evidence
• Missing Link
• Like a jigsaw puzzle, with Hannah and Bernard finding the pieces
• 'What use is a love letter from beyond the grave?' Lady Croom
• Give information
• Gives opportunity for confusion
• Double edged - evidence but unreliable
• Sincerity in letters does not take away from the comedy of the play
• Can see the reaction of the recipitents