\By and by he came to the brink of a precipice, over which the river dashed in a cataract, foaming and flashing, and sending up clouds of silver spray. The spray filled his eyes, so that he did not see his footing clearly; he grew dizzy, stumbled, and fell. But as he fell, something about him caught on a point of rock at the precipice-edge, and held him, so that he hung dangling over the abyss; and when he put up his hand to see what held him, he found that it was the broken string of the apron, which still hung by his side. "Oh! how strong my mother's apron-string is!" said the boy: and he drew himself up by it, and stood firm on his feet, and went on climbing toward the blue peaks of the mountains. In a well-written response of 5–7 sentences, achieve the following: identify a universal theme you discovered in this story explain how the author developed the universal theme through conflict, characterization, and/or setting provide textual evidence from the story to support your response

A universal theme in this story is the enduring strength and support of maternal love. The author develops this theme through the conflict of the boy's near-fatal fall, which symbolizes life's challenges and dangers.

As the boy dangles over the abyss, it is the "broken string of the apron," a symbol of his mother's care, that saves him, illustrating the protective and resilient nature of maternal love.

The setting of the precipice and the abyss intensifies the conflict, making the boy's rescue more dramatic and highlighting the theme. The boy's realization, "Oh! how strong my mother's apron-string is!" underscores his recognition of his mother's enduring influence and support.

This moment of characterization reveals his gratitude and newfound strength, enabling him to continue his climb "toward the blue peaks of the mountains," symbolizing his ongoing journey and personal growth.