Hornby

In The Conduct of Life, the motif of distrust and secrets. Leticia does not trust Orlando. Orlando does not trust Leticia. Both keep secrets from the other. Most would say torture is the key in this play, but what leads to the torture aspect? Lies, secrets and lack of trust. This begins the whole torture cycle. It starts the insanity of the characters. Neither character trusts the other to love them, to be right for them. Then, they develop secrets, a secret sex slave, a secret friend who may or may not really exist. 

This is seen in other forms of media. In television, American Horror Story shows this as well. Lies and distrust just kick starts everything else in the show. This is just like The Conduct of Life.