Final answer:
A symbol is an object present in a story that has both a literal and a deeper, figurative meaning, used to represent abstract concepts.
Step-by-step explanation:
A symbol is an object that is literally present and serves a literal purpose in the story but also seems to have a deeper, layered, or figurative meaning. Symbols in literature are often used to represent abstract concepts and can vary in their interpretation based on the context and the reader's perspective.
For instance, in literature, a simple object like a rose might literally be a flower in a character's garden, but it can also symbolize love or beauty, or even the transient nature of life if it's wilting. Symbolism is a literary device where this kind of representation takes place, enriching the narrative by adding multiple layers of meaning to seemingly straightforward descriptions or objects.