Which term represents something larger than itself or an abstract idea, like a dove representing peace?

• A. Foreshadowing
• B. Irony
• C. Symbolism
• D. Flashback

Answer: (C)

Symbolism is when something concrete—like a dove, a statue, or an object—stands for a larger idea or concept beyond its literal meaning. In literature, a dove often stands for peace, so using it in a scene communicates that abstract idea without saying it directly. This makes symbolism the best fit for describing a representation that carries meaning beyond the surface level. Foreshadowing gives hints about what will happen later in the story, ironies involve contrasts between appearance and reality or expectation and outcome, and a flashback takes the reader back to an earlier moment. So the dove as a symbol of peace shows how an object can embody a bigger idea rather than just its physical presence.