How can you identify a symbol that an author uses in a story?

I would go with A) A symbol is an ordinary object that takes on significance outside itself and stands for something greater.

Symbolism is the use of symbols to signify ideas and qualities by giving them symbolic meanings that are different from their literal sense. Symbolism can take different forms. Generally, it is an object representing another to give it an entirely different meaning that is much deeper and more significant. Therefore, the correct answer is A.