Answer:
Motif
Step-by-step explanation:
In literature, a motif is a recurring element, image, action, symbol, figure or idea within a story that helps readers understand the theme, which is the central message or lesson that a story conveys about a topic. Therefore, when we see a repetition of images of death, disease, and pestilence in Oedipus The King, we are seeing motifs of the story that helps us figure out its overall message or lesson.