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). 

The bonfire serves as a central source of energy for the circus. It is lit at the start of every circus performance. It serves as Marco’s connection to the circus and to Celia, and serves as a touchstone for his and Celia’s relationship for he and Celia throw themselves into it in order to escape both their fate and their earthly existence.