What is the term for a repeated image or idea that conveys a deeper meaning within a text?

The correct choice is motif, as it refers to a repeated image, idea, or theme within a literary work that helps to reinforce or emphasize a particular concept or deeper meaning in the narrative. Motifs are often used to create unity and depth, providing a way to explore and highlight the themes and emotional undercurrents of the story.

In contrast, a theme is the overarching message or commentary that the text conveys, often expressed in broader terms. A symbol, on the other hand, is a specific object, character, or color that represents a larger idea or concept within the work, but it may not necessarily be repeated. Allegory involves a narrative in which characters and events symbolically represent larger concepts or moral lessons, making it distinct from the concept of a motif, which focuses specifically on repetition rather than comprehensive narrative structure.