Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
Symbolic quality refers to objects, actions, or characters within a literary work that represent abstract ideas or concepts beyond their literal meaning. These symbols add depth and layers of meaning to the text.
Related terms
Allegory: An allegory is an extended metaphor where characters, objects, or events represent abstract ideas with moral lessons. They are used to convey deeper meanings.
An archetype is an original model or pattern that appears repeatedly in literature across different cultures and time periods. They represent universal human experiences.