Final answer:
A person, event, or thing that stands for a broader idea employs symbolism, often represented by objects, metonymy, or synecdoche, and their meaning varies with usage and perception.
Step-by-step explanation:
A person, event, or thing that stands for a broader idea is represented in literature and art through the use of symbolism. Symbolism is a powerful literary device that involves using symbols to signify ideas and qualities by giving them symbolic meanings that are different from their literal sense. An example is the United States' flag which, while simply a piece of colored cloth, can symbolize freedom, sacrifice, or oppression, depending on how it is perceived and the context in which it is used.
Symbols are not limited to objects; they can also be expressed through metonymy or synecdoche. Metonymy involves representing something by another thing that is closely associated with it, such as using 'the pen' to represent writing and 'the sword' to represent warfare. Synecdoche, on the other hand, uses a part to represent the whole, as in 'all hands on deck,' where 'hands' stand for sailors.
Symbols play an essential role in various aspects of culture, including religion and nationalism, and they can possess multiple meanings based on their usage and the audience's interpretation, making symbols multivocal. Lastly, figurative language like metaphors also draws on the use of symbols, but metaphors involve a direct comparison between two unlike things and are not naturally connected to what they represent.