The correct literary term for the given definition is "symbol."
Explanation:
1. A symbol is an object, person, situation, or action that holds a literal meaning within the text but also represents deeper or abstract meanings beyond its literal interpretation.
2. Symbols are used by authors to convey complex ideas, emotions, or themes in a more indirect and nuanced manner.
Example:
In "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, the mockingbird is a symbol. On a literal level, a mockingbird is a type of bird. However, in the novel, it symbolizes innocence and the idea that it is a sin to harm or destroy something innocent and pure.
So, in the context of the given definition, a symbol fits perfectly as it goes beyond its literal meaning to convey deeper layers of meaning within a text.
