Paula loved her english class. today, she learned that in some works of literature, every element in the story has both a literal and a symbolic meaning. which literary device did paula learn about?

An Allegory is a work of literature where every element is the story has both a literal and a symbolic meaning. The story or poem can be read on two levels; it can be read on a literal level or it can be read for it's symbolic meaning. Writers typically use an allegory as a literary device to convey hidden meanings through symbolism, actions, events and imagery. All these elements together  create the moral, political or spiritual meaning the author wishes to convey to the reader.