SYMBOLISM

[noun] [U]Symbolism is the use of symbols in art, literature, films etc. to represent ideas.Religious symbolism is very characteristic of the paintings of this period.(specialized) Symbolism also refers to a type of art and literature that originated in France and Belgium in the late 19th century. It attempted to express states of mind rather than represent reality, using the power of words and images to produce ideas in the imagination.Symbolism has been described as a reaction against naturalism and realism. Compare Naturalism at nature (LIFE); realism at real (NOT IMAGINARY); Expressionism at express (SHOW).