Skip to content

Log in Sign up free

Loading…

Home
Subjects
Past papers
Key terms
Pricing

My courses

Select your courses

Loading…

Subjects

Biology
Business
Chemistry
Citizenship Studies
Classics
Combined Science
Computer Science
Design and Technology
English Language
English Literature
Film Studies
Food Preparation and Nutrition
Geography
History
Mathematics
Media Studies
Physical Education
Physics
Psychology
Religious Studies
Sociology
Statistics

Resources

Browse courses
Past papers
Key terms & definitions
Pricing

About

Sign up
Log in
Privacy Policy
Terms of Service

© 2026 GradeGen

Not affiliated with any exam board.

Symbolism — Edexcel GCSE English Language Definition

Home
English Language
Key terms
Symbolism

GCSE English Language · key term

Symbolism

Definition

The use of an object, place or action to suggest an idea beyond its literal meaning.

Used by Edexcel

How each exam board covers it

Edexcel GCSE English Language · 1EN0

Paper 1

The object links the paragraphs and suggests a changed relationship. This is symbolism: an ordinary object carries meaning beyond its practical use.
Revise: Paper 1 Questions 5 and 6: imaginative writing
Using an object, action or image to suggest an idea beyond its literal meaning.
Revise: Ideas from a prompt or an image

Edexcel English Language past papers

Related key terms

Coherence
Cohesion
Imagery
Imaginative writing
Narrative voice

Get more free notes every week

Create a free account to keep every note you open and track your progress.

Create free account Log in