Final answer:
The sentence 'It is easy to despise what you cannot have' directly states the theme of the story, conveying a message about a common human response to unattainable desires.
Step-by-step explanation:
The sentence that directly states the theme of the story in question would be 'b. "It is easy to despise what you cannot have."' This sentence encapsulates a universal idea that reflects human nature's tendency to undervalue or reject things that are unattainable, often as a way to cope with the disappointment of not being able to have them. The theme is a profound concept often explored in literature, addressing aspects of the human condition, society, or life in a way that is meant to provoke thought or convey a message or lesson through the narrative of the story.