Final answer:
A symbol in literature compares two dissimilar things, enhancing meaning and interpretation.
Step-by-step explanation:
A symbol in a work of literature is a literary device that compares two things that are in some way dissimilar. It can be a word, phrase, or object that represents something beyond its literal meaning. Symbols are used to enhance meaning and create deeper layers of interpretation in a literary work.
For example, in the novel The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the green light at the end of Daisy's dock is a symbol that represents Gatsby's longing for a future with Daisy. The green light is not literally a traffic signal but carries a deeper meaning related to Gatsby's desire and aspirations.
Learn more about Symbolism in literature