Symbolism
The use of an object, image, or action to stand for a larger idea beyond its literal meaning.
A symbol carries meaning on two levels at once, the concrete and the abstract. Writers use symbols to express themes economically and to invite interpretation rather than stating ideas outright. A recurring symbol can unify a whole work and deepen its emotional resonance.
Example
The green light at the end of Daisy’s dock symbolizes Gatsby’s longing and the larger, unreachable promise of the American dream.
The Great Gatsby · F. Scott Fitzgerald
See it in action
Analyses on StoryBites that use symbolism:
The Yellow WallpaperCharlotte Perkins GilmanCat in the RainErnest HemingwayThe Open BoatStephen CraneThe Monkey's PawW.W. JacobsThe NecklaceGuy de MaupassantEdithaW.D. HowellsPaul's CaseWilla CatherYoung Goodman BrownNathaniel HawthorneDesiree's BabyKate ChopinHeart of DarknessJoseph ConradOdour of ChrysanthemumsD.H. LawrenceThe MetamorphosisFranz Kafka