How do you know when something is being used as a symbol?

What does the author use to example of his son's tribal education in his letter to the teacher

The following question asks about one or more selections from your literature textbook. you may use your textbook to answer this question. both “lob’s girl” and “jeremiah’s song” contains flashbacks. in a paragraph, explain what this plot technique adds to the stories. support your answer with one detail from each story. use the reading selections to you answer the questions.

Which excerpt from act 5, scene 3 of romeo and juliet best reflects the idea what when a person overlooks what he or she knows is wrong, it can result in a catastrophe?