Definition for Symbolism
From Biology Forums Dictionary
Symbolism in the theatre and literature (late 19th—early 20th centuries) was anti-realist. It is also known as “neo-Romanticism,” “idealism,” or “impressionism.” The idea behind symbolism is that truth can be grasped only by intuition, not through the senses or rational thought. Thus, ultimate truths can be suggested only through symbols, which evoke in the audience or reader various states of mind that correspond vaguely with the playwright’s or writer’s feelings.