What is the difference between a symbol and a theme?

What is the difference between a symbol and a theme?

A symbol is an object, person, or event that represents a deeper meaning or concept in a literary work. It is used to convey abstract ideas or emotions. On the other hand, a theme is the central message or main idea of a literary work. It is the underlying concept or topic that the author explores throughout the text. While a symbol is a specific representation, a theme is a broader concept or idea.