The symbolism of relationships
Extramarital affairs and unfaithfulness symbolize infidelity and the darker side of the human race. The play is entirely about relationships and the challenges that come with them. Most characters are unfaithful to their partners because they have several other partners. Consequently, there is no successful institution of marriage because characters play each other sexually, limiting the level of trust, which is vital in successful relationships.
Matrimonial bond
The marriages of Sonja symbolize marital bond to Leon and John to Jane. These four characters are introduced in Act 1 of the play, and the viewer gets an opportunity to learn the challenges that face marriage from this couple. Fortunately, these two couples can tackle marital issues affecting their marriages while remaining faithful to each other.
The symbol of human nature
Sexual desires symbolize human nature in this play. The audience learns that sexuality is part of human nature because each character has a unique sexual desire. For instance, the rising rate of infidelity is due to different sexual urges that the characters experience.
The symbolism of the title ‘Speaking in Tongues’
'Speaking in Tongues' title embodies betrayal because the characters are not read to come out clearly to express their sexual desires. For instance, Sonja is dying to sleep with John because her husband has a secret sexual affair with Jane. The audience learns that 'Speaking in Tongues' literary the inability to express oneself. Therefore, the characters suffer in silence and give out their frustration by having multiple sexual affairs.
Symbolism of deceit
Deceit is symbolized by the carefree attitude of the characters in this play. The characters have grown in their marriages uncontrollably, developing a bad habit of unfaithfulness. Every character is frustrated, and the best way of releasing stress is having an extramarital affair, which has destroyed their marriages.
