Answer: The setting of a book helps develop a theme by giving key points of information that are critical to the story point. Time periods and locations are examples of settings that can contribute to the theme. Without specific details, some points of the story would be vastly different, or would not exist during that time period/location at all. Overall, it established the mood and energy of the story.
In order for themes to emerge from a setting, the story has to, in some ways, rely on its setting. In other words, the setting and its unique elements should influence the story to the point that the story would be drastically different – or might not exist at all – if it took place at a different time or location.
