Symbolism is the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities in art, literature, and everyday life. It allows one thing to stand for something deeper or more abstract.
From 'symbol' plus the noun-forming suffix '-ism', indicating a practice or system. It grew as a term in art and literary criticism to describe this way of expressing meaning.
Once you start noticing symbolism, stories become like treasure hunts for hidden meanings. A storm might not just be bad weather—it can be a symbol of chaos inside a character’s mind.
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