Symbolism
The practice of using concrete things (objects, colours, animals, settings) to represent abstract concepts, emotions, or themes. Symbols operate on both literal and metaphorical levels, inviting readers to find deeper meaning beyond surface narrative.
Real World
In F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, the green light at the end of Daisy's dock functions as a symbol of Gatsby's longing, the American Dream, and the impossibility of recapturing the past — all simultaneously, without the novel ever stating this explicitly.
Exam Focus
Always explain what the symbol represents AND why the author chose that specific image — AO2 requires effect, not just identification.
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