Which literary device uses symbols to represent ideas?

The correct answer is symbolism, which is a literary device that uses symbols—objects, characters, figures, or colors—to represent larger ideas or concepts. Symbolism allows writers to convey complex meanings in a more nuanced way, inviting readers to look beyond the surface and explore the deeper significance of the symbols within the context of the work. For instance, a dove might symbolize peace, while a storm could represent turmoil or conflict. By employing symbolism, authors can infuse their narratives with multiple layers of meaning, enhancing the thematic richness of their writing.

Imagery, on the other hand, involves descriptive language that appeals to the senses and creates vivid pictures in the reader's mind, but does not inherently represent abstract ideas. Metaphor is a figure of speech that makes a direct comparison between two unlike things, suggesting that one is the other to illustrate a concept, but it does not use symbols in the same way that symbolism does. Alliteration refers to the repetition of initial consonant sounds in closely placed words, primarily for effect and rhythm, rather than for representing ideas.