Final answer:
One motif that signals the connection or disconnection from the past is the use of recurring elements in a story.
Step-by-step explanation:
One motif that signals the way in which characters connect to or disconnect from the past is the use of recurring elements in a story. These motifs can be objects, sounds, statements, or even places. By examining what these motifs symbolize, we can gain insights into the story's possible themes and the characters' relationship with the past.