key term - Symbols

Definition

Symbols are objects, actions, or ideas that represent something beyond their literal meaning. They add depth and layers of meaning to a literary work.

Related terms

Motif:

A recurring symbol or theme throughout a literary work that helps develop its overall message.

Allegory: A narrative where characters and events represent abstract ideas or moral qualities.

Metaphor:

A figure of speech that compares two unrelated things without using "like" or "as," often used to convey symbolic meanings.