Select the correct answer.
Which statement contains a universal symbol?
A.
In “Hansel and Gretel,” chocolates and baked goods symbolize temptation.
B.
In “Cinderella,” images of mice and birds symbolize the kindness of nature.
C.
In Ed’s latest story, “Evil Intentions,” darkness and nightfall symbolize death.
D.
In Chloe’s short story, “The Blue Sparrow,” a chirping sparrow symbolizes hope.

If the meaning of the symbol changes from culture to culture or from time to time, from text to text or from context to context they are referred to as contextual symbols. One example of contextual symbol is symbol of owl. Owl is a symbol of wisdom in the western countries while it is totally opposite in the Indian sub-continent - there, owl is symbol of foolishness. However, we can also say that owl is universal symbol of wisdom in the western countries (by qualifying the argument).

Universal Symbols:

If the meaning of symbolism remains the same in all cultures, locations, texts, it is called a universal symbol. For example pen and book are universal symbols of education. And, dove is a symbol of peace.

Darkness and nightfall in option D are universal symbols of death, sadness, fall.

Symbols used in option A, B, and D are contextual as their meaning vary from text to text and from culture to culture.