Final answer:
A theme is the main idea or message in a story, while a topic refers to the subject matter of the story.
Step-by-step explanation:
A theme is the main idea, lesson, or message in a story. It is usually an abstract, universal idea about the human condition or life. On the other hand, a topic refers to the subject or subject matter of the story. While a theme is the underlying message that the author wants to convey to the readers, a topic is simply what the story is about.
For example, in the story 'To Kill a Mockingbird,' the theme could be about prejudice or the importance of empathy. The topic, on the other hand, could be about racial inequality in a small town. The theme provides a broad statement about humanity or life, while the topic is more specific and focuses on the subject matter of the story.