Which term refers to the central idea or dominant theme in a literary work?

The term that refers to the central idea or dominant theme in a literary work is "theme." A theme is the overarching message, statement, or idea that an author explores through the characters, plot, and various elements of a text. For example, themes can range from love, power, identity, conflict, and morality, providing insights into the human experience and allowing readers to connect more deeply with the narrative.

In contrast, "motif" refers to a recurring element or idea that supports the theme but does not encapsulate the author's overall message; rather, it is used to develop or reinforce it. "Symbolism" relates to the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities within the work, serving as a tool to convey deeper meanings rather than the fundamental theme itself. "Imagery," on the other hand, involves descriptive language that appeals to the senses, helping to create a vivid picture in the reader's mind, but again, it does not represent the central idea of the work.

Thus, "theme" is the most appropriate term to identify the main message or insight conveyed by the author throughout the literary work.