A sentence that connects an element of a story to a theme often highlights how a character's actions, a specific event, or a literary device reflects a broader message or insight. For example:
"In the story, the protagonist's journey of self-discovery illustrates the theme of growth through adversity, as each challenge they face leads to a deeper understanding of themselves and their values."
This sentence connects the character's journey (an element of the story) to the theme of personal growth.