Symbolism in literature is characterized by

Symbolism is the practice or art of using an object or a word to represent an abstract idea. An action, person, place, word, or object can all have a symbolic meaning. When an author wants to suggest a certain mood or emotion. He/she can also use to hint at it, rather than just blatantly saying it.

An action, person, place, word, or object. Which are used to represent something more than its literal meaning.