The setting is usually stated early on, giving a feel for what the story looks like, and where the characters are.
The theme<span> in a </span>story<span> is its underlying message, or 'big idea.' In other words, what critical belief about life is the author trying to convey in the writing of a novel, play, short </span>story<span> or poem? This belief, or idea, transcends cultural barriers. It is usually universal in nature.</span>