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.

Statement C is the one which has the most universal symbol, as death is something that happens to all livings things and therefore is shared by millions of live forms.

Option A has a symbol (temptation) that is usually experienced by humans, but not by animals. Option B has the symbol kindness, and option D has the symbol hope, which are both shared among human beings, but not all them.

Death is still the sole symbol that encompasses all living forms (animals, plants and human beings).