Modernist writers made extensive use of in part as a way of compensating for the fact that they couldn't make assumptions about their readership the way past writers could.

Modernist writers made extensive use of "symbols"

A symbol refers to a mark, sign or word that demonstrates, connotes, or is comprehended as speaking to a thought, question, or relationship. Symbols enable individuals to go past what is known or seen by making linkages between generally altogether different ideas and encounters.