Symbol

Definition: an image that is metaphorical rather than literal

Example: "Rose, thou art sick!

               The invisible worm

               That flies in the night,

               In the howling storm,

               Has found out thy bed

               Of crimson joy:

               And his dark secret love

               Does thy life destroy"

                      -William Blake

Significance: Symbols reinforce meaning in the poem. They make the poem better by helping the reader understand what is happening in the poem.