Final answer:
Symbolism in literature is the use of symbols to signify ideas and qualities by giving them symbolic meanings that are different from their literal sense. An example is Pearl from 'The Scarlet Letter', who symbolizes the danger of female sexuality in a puritanical society. Natural elements like trees or seas can also hold significant symbolic meanings.
Step-by-step explanation:
Symbolism is a literary device where an object, person, situation, or action has a deeper meaning in the context of the whole story than its literal meaning. Authors use symbolism to impart their ideas and themes to the reader by imbuing their narratives with a more potent, poetic resonance. For example, in literature, a rose might symbolize love and passion, while a storm could symbolize turmoil or change.
An instance of symbolism in a sentence may look like this: "In Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter, the character Pearl becomes a powerful symbol of the perceived danger of female sexuality within a stringent puritanical society." Here, Pearl is not just a girl but a representation of complex social anxieties. Moreover, natural elements frequently harbor symbolic value; for instance, a tree might represent growth or life, and a sea could symbolize vastness or the subconscious.