Final answer:
Symbolism is the use of a physical object to represent an abstract idea.
Step-by-step explanation:
Symbolism is the use of a physical object to represent an abstract idea. For example, while physically a piece of colored cloth, to some the United States' flag represents freedom, to others sacrifice, and to others oppression.Symbolism is a literary device that refers to the use of symbols in a literary work. A symbol is something that stands for or suggests something else; it represents something beyond literal meaning. In literature, a symbol can be a word, object, action, character, or concept that embodies and evokes a range of additional meaning and significance.