I was under the impression that symbolism was a construct of fiction, used by the author to make larger overarching points via the use of more tangible agents.

I was under the impression that symbolism was a construct of fiction, used by the author to make larger overarching points via the use of more tangible agents. It's confusing when writers apply this concept to the real world; it seems like they push the notion that there's some great narrative in the real world.