What is the term for a recurring element that has symbolic significance in a story?

The term that refers to a recurring element with symbolic significance in a story is "motif." A motif is typically a recurring image, idea, or theme that helps to develop and inform the overarching narrative or themes within a literary work. By repeating a particular motif, the author can reinforce key ideas or emotional responses, creating a deeper understanding of the text for the reader.

In contrast, "theme" refers to the central idea or message that the author intends to convey through the narrative, rather than a specific recurring element. "Characterization" involves the techniques used by an author to create and develop characters, while "setting" refers to the time and place in which a story unfolds. Each of these terms serves a distinct purpose in literature and contributes to the narrative in different ways, but it is the concept of a motif that specifically captures the idea of a recurring symbol with significance in the story.