Copenhagen

Heisenberg is proud of his country and wants to protect his fellow Germans. How does his nationalism inform his actions?

Margrethe plays an important role in the story. How does she function as both a character and a mediator?

Skiing is a recurring metaphor in the play. How do Heisenberg and Bohr’s skiing styles reflect their personalities?

The characters refer to other famous scientists throughout the play. Are these scientists portrayed favorably? How is Bohr’s relationship with Heisenberg different from his relationship with other assistants and scientists?

Christian Bohr died in a boating accident, and his death is referenced several times. What does this death mean to Bohr? How does the boating accident function as a motif in the play?

Bohr is referred to as the pope of modern physics. How is this religious imagery and association used in the text?

The conflict between duty and morality is a primary theme in the play. How is this tension demonstrated in the characters of Heisenberg and in Bohr? How does it affect their friendship? Does the play favor one ideal over the other?

Heisenberg and Bohr frequently call for plain language to be used. What do they mean by this, and how does it relate to Margrethe? How does plain language ultimately function in the play?