This document defines and discusses the key literary elements of setting and theme. It defines setting as the time period and location in which a story takes place. Theme is defined as a unifying idea or statement about the subject of a work, whether directly stated or implied. The document provides some examples of potential themes. It then analyzes how the setting and theme can remain the same even if the setting is changed, showing two films with a similar theme but different time periods.

1. Grade 12- English
Daniel Fronk

2. Setting: the surroundings in which a
story, play, or film is placed. Such as time
period(past, present , future) or locale (a
beach, jungle, in the city) .

3. The Definition of Theme
Theme: a unifying idea, image, or motif,
repeated or developed throughout a work.
The subject is NOT the same as the theme. A
theme is a statement , direct or implied
about the subject.
A Theme may be:
-how humans are destroying nature with technology
-the gods will punish those who think themselves great
-personal identity is determined by our place in society
-marriage is an antiquated idea and bound to fail
-children must go through trials before reaching maturity
-enjoy the moment because we may die at any moment
-death gives life its meaning

4. The importance of setting
Below we see two images of the same type of event. Both pictures show a formal
type of dance. The first is a ball set in early 1800’s Regency England . The second is
a high school dance in modern times. A similar event takes on different
dimensions depending where it takes place. Let’s find what sets these two dances
apart.

5. The importance of theme
The theme is what gives a story it’s voice or purpose. It is what the creator or
author seeks to convey about a particular topic or subject. The theme may stay
the same even if the setting is changed.
The two films
shown here are
ultimately the same
story set in two
different time
periods. The setting
has been changed
by hundreds of
years, but the
themes though
updated are still
very similar.

6. http://www.thefreedictionary.com/setting
http://www.scifibloggers.com/top-45-sci-fi-cities/
http://mi9.com/wallpaper/sunny-beach_24906/
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http://www.sjsu.edu/faculty/patten/theme.html
http://austenauthors.net/pp-200-darcy-prepares-for-the-ball-
at-netherfield/netherfield-ball-pride-and-prejudice-1995-
6151582-542-340
http://www.dennishahn.com/Dances/junction_city_high_schoo
l_homeco.htm
http://www.movieposterdb.com/poster/5383044e
http://totallytheo.blogspot.com/2011/05/10-things-i-hate-
about-you.html