B. an object that simultaneously represents itself and something else
A symbol, by definition, is something that stands for something else in addition to what it is. This “something” can be a range of things. For instance, a symbol can be something inanimate, something living (plant, animal, fungus, etc.), an action, or even an idea. It will have a meaning beyond the “denotation” of the object. Water could be a symbol for life. A desert could be a symbol for death. Thus, the correct answer is B. an object that simultaneously represents itself and something else.