How do I tell what is a symbol?

Literature is brilliant to write about because it is so subjective. There usually isn't a correct answer. Of course, you have to know the basic definition of a symbol, but other than that, most anything can be one. It can be a character, an object, or an animal. If it's a person, place, or thing (a noun), it can be a symbol. As a general rule of thumb, symbols usually occur throughout the text repeatedly. For example, I once wrote an essay on the symbolism of water. Rivers, lakes, oceans, and the like showed up consistently throughout that text. It was a very broad symbol, and gave me a lot to write on. Similarly, it can also be incredibly specific, like one specific clock or picture. Most importantly, though, symbols need to represent an idea that the author, playwright, or poet is trying to explain to his or her reader. If you're picking up an idea from the object, it's probably being used as a symbol.