One of the novel’s central motifs is that of the impeding duel that Celia and Marco and destined to engage in. Throughout the novel, the game that Celia and Marco are set to compete against each other in serves as a symbol for their predicament, particularly in terms of their rivalry. 

Throughout the novel, love remains one of the most potent motifs. Love is presented as a mysterious force that many characters struggle to understand. However, by the end of the novel, both Marco and Celia, as well as Poppet and Bailey, come to realize that love is the most potent and powerful force in their lives, capable of overcoming even the dark and mysterious forces of magic. Love, for a number of characters in the novel, allows for problems to be resolved and happiness to be attained. The novel depicts four very unique kinds of love: love between friends, love for one’s art and work, love for one’s romantic partner, and love for a particular place (such as the Night Circus itself).