Each act begins with a discussion of rain or actual rain. Why do you think Wilder does this? What could the rain symbolize?

Rain symbolizes multiple things depending on the context in which it appears, but most commonly connotes sadness, rejection or despair. Because rain diminishes sunlight, it creates human emotions of darkness and depression. Rain is often used metaphorically in literature to represent discontent or to invoke a forlorn mood. Many films use rainfall to create heightened drama and a sense of foreboding, symbolizing human tears.