1. Symbolism
Symbolism is often used by writers to enhance their writing. Symbolism can give a literary work more richness and color and can make the meaning of the work deeper.  
In literature, symbolism can take many forms including:
A figure of speech where an object, person, or situation has another meaning other than its literal meaning. 
The actions of a character, word, action, or event that have a deeper meaning in the context of the whole story.  

2. Examples
What does an apple symbolize? Where do we see this symbol in our daily lives and literature?
The Bible
Apple Inc. Products
Teacher’s Desk
Matilda
Snow White
The Giver

3. Archetypes There are many different variations:
Situations: This is when a plot line or situation in a text follows a specific pattern. We see this in superhero movies, but it originated with the myths.
Symbolic: Light vs. Dark, Water vs. Desert.
Colors: Green = envy/growth, Red = anger, sacrifice, violent passion.
Numbers: 6= evil, 3= trinity, 4=mankind/seasons.
Character: The hero, mentors, the devil figure, the scapegoat, the damsel in distress, the temptress, star-crossed lovers.

4. What is the denotative definition?
An original pattern or model on which all things thereafter are based.
A basic image, character, situation, or symbol that appears so often in literature and legend that it evokes a deep universal response (Kennedy 911).

5. Archetypical Plot