Why is a story more than simply the sum of its parts (including plot, theme, tone, point of view, and voice)?

also, why is it useful to look at each of these parts individually?

answer: every author has a meaning hidden within the story. everyone gets something different out of that meaning. it is important to look past plot, theme, tone, point of view, and voice, because they are just the ground rules the author and reader must follow, to get to the larger spectacle.   but it is useful to look at them, because they to get there, though they take you only so far.

Plot, character, conflict, setting, and theme are all essential elements to any story, or as we call them, story elements. Examined individually, these elements affect the outcome of any story. ... Think about each one of these elements as part of a team that works together to create the best story possible.

Hope this helps...