Theme Statements Are Awkward And Nobody Likes Them.

         Up until AP Literature, I was always taught that the theme of the story was an overall idea that the author is trying to convey throughout their prose; that it was some kind of concept that we, the readers, were supposed to understand by the end up of the story through reflection of all the plot events as a whole. But no. Apparently  theme is actually a slightly generalized...and I repeat...only very awkwardly slightly generalized statement that shows what the author was supposedly trying to convey through the story. But you know what? Here's my problem with it: Let's take the The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, for example. I always thought that the theme of C.S. Lewis's classic tale was the importance bravery, friendship, and loyalty to your companions. Not in AP Lit! The theme is actually more something along the lines of "When children are forced to flee from war and violence in the real world, they may end up in compromising situations with talking animals, battle, and magic inside of a wardrobe." I bet Lewis would be proud of that one. Or hey, maybe the theme for The Lord of The Rings doesn't actually have to do anything with bravery and perseverance, it's really just "When one object holds the power to rule the world, it may cause temptation, violence, and the suffering of young hobbits." Pshhh, I guess Tolkien was trying to warn us not to go forging any rings of power, you guys! Readers, what kind of awkward and deceiving theme statements can you come up with to destroy the actual intended meaning of your favorite childhood tales?