Which of the following best defines a universal theme?

A universal theme is one that resonates with a broad audience by reflecting fundamental truths about the human experience that are relevant across different cultures and time periods. These themes explore issues such as love, conflict, identity, and morality, which are common to all people regardless of their background.

For instance, themes surrounding love, loss, and the quest for identity can be found in literature from various cultures, demonstrating the shared experiences of humanity. This is why option B is the best definition of a universal theme—because it captures the idea that such themes have an overarching significance that transcends specific stories or cultural contexts.

In contrast, a theme that is specific to a particular story would not be considered universal, as it only applies to that narrative. A theme limited to cultural contexts or based solely on individual character experiences also fails to convey the broader relevance that defines a universal theme.