Final answer:
Symbols in literature connect to real-world themes, enabling readers to relate to the text and reflect on their own experiences. Literature often explores universal themes, reflecting cultural values and facilitating a deeper understanding of human nature and society.
Step-by-step explanation:
Symbols in literature often reflect real-world events and themes, thereby creating a connection between the fictional world of the text and the reality experienced by readers. For example, the use of allegory in Arthur Miller's The Crucible utilizes the Salem witch trials as a symbol to comment on McCarthyism, linking the narrative to historical and political events of the mid-20th century. Symbols serve as a means to engage with broader ethical, social, and philosophical questions, using the universal language of literature to communicate complex ideas and emotions.
From the protagonist's journey, readers can draw parallels to their own experiences, questioning how they would react in similar circumstances. This reflection can lead to a deeper understanding of human nature and the human condition. Literature becomes a mirror, reflecting personal and collective identities, and a lens through which to view and interpret the world around us.
Furthermore, literature often explores universal themes that resonate across different cultures and societies, signifying the commonalities of human experience. These themes contribute to the endurance and relevance of literary works over time. Through fiction, we understand reality differently, as storytelling shapes our perception of ourselves and the world, expressing the values and concerns of different cultures and time periods.