Final answer:
Out of the statements provided, "Appearances do not always reflect reality" and "Man's nature is inherently flawed" best qualify as universal themes because they address fundamental aspects of the human condition that are relevant across various cultures and time periods.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering universal themes in literature, we are looking for those themes that transcend cultural and temporal boundaries, addressing concerns common to all humans regardless of when or where they live. Universal themes are found in stories that provoke thought about the larger questions of life and humanity, and they often explore the very nature of existence. Among the statements provided:
- Appearances do not always reflect reality qualifies as a universal theme because it questions the notion of truth and perception, which are concepts that can be applied broadly across different societies and eras.
- While Industrialism brings certain disadvantages is a significant theme, it is more context-specific and may not be considered universally relevant, especially to societies that haven't experienced industrialism.
- Black Americans struggled against discrimination reflects a specific historic and cultural struggle, and while important, doesn't qualify as a universal theme as it pertains to a particular group's experience.
- Man's nature is inherently flawed could be considered a universal theme because it addresses a fundamental question about the human condition, which is a topic of perennial interest across cultures.