The questions below refer to the selection“from specimen days.” as used in literature, a symbol is —
a. the feeling of anticipation a writer creates
b. a group of lines in a poem linked by theme
c. a person, place, or object used to represent an abstract idea
d. the writer’s general tone and attitude about life

c. a person, place or object used to represent an abstract idea

Symbol in literature refers to the person, place or object used to represent an abstract idea. Symbols are used in literature in order to represent ideas making a literary piece more meaningful. This is called symbolism. It uses objects to represent an idea and even give it a deeper and a more consequential meaning which is likely different from the literal meaning of the symbol being used. However, the meaning of the symbols used can be contextual meaning it depends on how it is being used in the statement.

The answer to your question is option a