The correct answer is C. A symbol or theme that is universally understood
Step-by-step explanation:
In literature, an archetype refers to an element that is used and understood universally in literature because this represents a common human feature or situation. Archetypes include characters, symbols, themes or situations you can find in poems, short stories, tales, and other literary works of multiple cultures. For example, in most cultures, the family is of great importance and due to this an archetype or universal theme is "family comes first". According to this, an archetype is "A symbol or theme that is universally understood".