Analyzing and Interpreting Literature CLEP Prep Practice Exam

Symbolism can be found in which of these literary devices?

1. Alliteration

2. Metaphor

3. Hyperbole

4. Personification

The correct answer is: Metaphor

Symbolism is a technique used in literature to represent abstract ideas, concepts, or emotions through symbols or symbolic actions. Both metaphors and personification allow us to understand these abstract ideas in a more concrete way. Alliteration and hyperbole do not inherently utilize symbolism as they rely on sounds and exaggeration, respectively, rather than symbols. However, in some cases, alliteration and hyperbole can be used symbolically, but it is not a defining element of these devices. Therefore, out of the four literary devices listed, only the metaphor definitively uses symbolism.