which statement is a theme? the story teaches the importance of devoted friends. gilgamesh delivers an encouraging speech to enkidu. when humbaba is defeated, the friends rejoice. true friends remain loyal despite hardship.

The statements that express a theme are:

• "The story teaches the importance of devoted friends."
• "True friends remain loyal despite hardship."

Themes are the underlying messages or lessons in a story. The other statements describe events or actions, not the general message.