What do universal themes in literature represent?

Universal themes in literature represent insights into life that are applicable across different times and cultures, allowing readers from various backgrounds to resonate with the underlying messages. These themes often explore fundamental human experiences, such as love, conflict, sacrifice, and the pursuit of identity, which are relevant to people regardless of their individual circumstances.

This broad relevance is what makes universal themes so powerful; they connect readers on a deeper level by tapping into shared emotional truths that transcend geographical and temporal boundaries. While specific cultural events, narrowly defined human experiences, and unique personal narratives might enrich the tapestry of literature, they do not possess the same wide-reaching applicability as universal themes.