What is a recurring theme or symbol seen throughout a literary work called?

A recurring theme or symbol within a literary work is identified as a motif. A motif is a repeated element that holds significant meaning, contributing to the development of a theme or message throughout the work. It can manifest as a specific image, phrase, idea, or situation that reappears and allows readers to recognize patterns and deeper meanings in the text.

In contrast, a theme encompasses the overarching message or central idea conveyed by the work; it is broader and more abstract than a motif. While narrative refers to the telling of a story and its sequence of events, structure pertains to the arrangement and organization of a text. Neither narrative nor structure relates specifically to the repetition of themes or symbols, solidifying the definition and importance of a motif in literary analysis.