Final answer:
The term for anything that stands or represents something else is a symbol, which is often used in literature and art through symbolism, metaphors, metonymy, synecdoche, and allegory.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term for anything that stands or represents something else is known as a symbol. For example, in literature, symbolism is the use of a physical object to represent an abstract idea. This can take many forms in language and art, such as through the use of metaphors, metonymy, synecdoche, and allegory.
An instance of a metaphor is when Shakespeare's Hamlet refers to Claudius as a "snake," using the animal to symbolize deceit without employing words like "like" or "as." Moreover, metonymy involves representation through association, as in "The pen is mightier than the sword," where the pen and sword stand for writing and warfare respectively. Synecdoche is observed in expressions like "All hands on deck," where 'hands' represent sailors. Lastly, an allegory refers to a story or image with a distinct meaning attached, often used to convey a more complex set of ideas or principles.