Engish STAAR ( State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) Practice Test

What literary device uses a concrete representation to convey an abstract idea?

1. Symbolism

2. Figurative language

3. Dramatic irony

4. Metaphor

The correct answer is: Symbolism

Symbolism is the literary device that effectively uses concrete representations to express abstract ideas. In literature, symbols are objects, characters, or colors that stand for larger concepts and contribute to deeper meanings beyond their literal interpretation. For example, a dove often symbolizes peace, while a red rose may symbolize love. By using symbols, writers can evoke emotions and provoke thought, allowing readers to engage with the themes on a more profound level. Other options may refer to different concepts: figurative language encompasses various techniques, including symbolism, that enhance writing but does not specifically focus on the concrete-abstract relationship. Dramatic irony is a situation where the audience knows something that the characters do not, creating tension or humor but not directly relating to the representation of abstract concepts. Metaphors, while they create comparisons between different things, do not specifically focus on using concrete images to convey abstract ideas in the same manner as symbolism does.