Final answer:
Some symbols are universal, such as the red rose signifying love and water representing life, while others are contextual, like the mockingbird for innocence in 'To Kill a Mockingbird,' and hot buns representing connection in 'A Little Princess'.
Step-by-step explanation:
The symbols in question can be categorized as follows:
- In "The Nightingale and the Rose," Oscar Wilde chooses a red rose as a representation of love. This can be seen as a universal symbol, as the rose commonly signifies love across cultures and contexts.
- In To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee's use of a mockingbird to symbolize innocence can be considered a contextual symbol. It reflects a specific theme within the narrative and may not universally represent innocence in other contexts.
- In A Little Princess, Frances Hodgson Burnett's symbol of hot buns, used to connect the protagonist with a poor street child, serves as a contextual symbol. It is a unique representation within the story and is not a widely recognized symbol outside of this context.
- The symbolism of water as life in "The Water of Life" by the Brothers Grimm is considered a universal symbol. Water is often associated with life and vitality in various cultures and literature.
Therefore, the correct answer is c) Both universal and contextual symbols, because some of the symbols mentioned are widely recognized across various cultures (universal), while others are specific to the context of the story they are used in (contextual).