This document discusses literary terms symbolism and allegory. Symbolism involves using an object, scene, character or action to represent an abstract idea. Symbols can have personal, contextual, cultural or universal meanings. Interpreting symbols involves understanding the link between the symbol and its meaning, as well as how it is used in the text. Allegory is a narrative that tells a real story and symbolic story simultaneously, using familiar elements to represent external concepts, situations or philosophies. Common symbols are provided as examples.