IMO, C is correct.
(1) First, we split between "within" and "in". We always say in ABC art/culture/business/economy/trouble......e.g. in American culture; in modern art; in social economy......But we don't say "within modern art". Normally, "within" requires a parameter to be more accurate, e.g. Do not smoke within 20 feet of the building
So, A, B are out.
(2) Among other answers, C is correct.
(c) a recurring symbol in ==> Correct
(D) having been a symbol that recurred in ==> awkward & ungrammatical.
(E) recurring as it is, a symbol in ==> "as it is" does not refer to anything.
Hope it helps.
(1) First, we split between "within" and "in". We always say in ABC art/culture/business/economy/trouble......e.g. in American culture; in modern art; in social economy......But we don't say "within modern art". Normally, "within" requires a parameter to be more accurate, e.g. Do not smoke within 20 feet of the building
So, A, B are out.
(2) Among other answers, C is correct.
(c) a recurring symbol in ==> Correct
(D) having been a symbol that recurred in ==> awkward & ungrammatical.
(E) recurring as it is, a symbol in ==> "as it is" does not refer to anything.
Hope it helps.