what are universal themes

Universal themes are central ideas or concepts that resonate with people across cultures and periods. Unlike more specific literary themes, which may be tied to a particular story or culture, universal themes explore fundamental aspects of the human condition. They are highly abstract, one-word ideas that can connect across any content regardless of grade level. Universal themes are not confined to the pages of a book, but they can inspire us to explore our own nature, find hope in challenging times, and write our own stories. Some examples of universal themes include love, power, hope, the nature of humanity, change, structure, conflict, order, and relationships. Universal themes are what draw people to memoirs, as they are ideas that can apply to anyone regardless of cultural differences or geographic location.