Table of Contents
How is situational irony used in The Gift of the Magi?
The contradiction between what the reader expects and what really happens at the close of the story is situational irony. The reader assumes that Della’s sacrifice of her hair to buy a platinum watch chain for Jim’s watch will bring her great joy at witnessing her husband’s pleasure in this very expensive gift.
What is the situational irony in the story of Jim and Della?
Another example of situational irony is when Jim unexpectedly receives the fob that Della gave him for his watch, but Della didn’t know that he sold it. Henry adds a twist toward the end of the story when Jim says to Della, “Let’s put our Christmas presents away and keep ’em a while.
What is ironic about Jim’s gift to Della?
Jim gives Della hair combs to pull her long hair back as a Christmas gift. This is ironic because Della has cut off all her hair and sold it to buy Jim a gift. She sacrificed her most important possession for Jim.
What is ironic about the story The Gift of the Magi?
The irony of the ending of “The Gift of the Magi” is the fact that both Della and Jim unselfishly sacrificed their most prized possessions in order to purchase gifts that the other would be thrilled about receiving, but each of them sacrificed the very thing for which the other bought the gift.
What is the irony of the gifts that Jim and Della?
Ironically, each person has sold their most prized possession in order to pay for an expensive gift that compliments their special personal belonging. Jim is the first to recognize the situational irony when he enters his home and sees that Della has cut all of her hair off.
When does dramatic irony occur in a story?
Dramatic irony may also occur if a reader guesses in advance that Jim sold his watch to buy the coveted combs. Situational irony occurs when there’s an unexpected outcome in a story. An example is when Jim comes home from work and sees Della’s short hair.
What does della do in the gift of the Magi?
After Della sells her hair to buy Jim’s present, Henry writes, “She got out her curling irons and lighted the gas and went to work repairing the ravages made by generosity added to love. Which is always a tremendous task, dear friends — a mammoth task.”
Who are The Dillinghams in the gift of the Magi?
In “The Gift of the Magi,” Jim and Della Dillingham Young are a young couple of modest means. They have two prized possessions: Jim’s pocket watch, which previously belonged to his father and grandfather, and Della’s long hair. On Christmas Eve, the couple only had $1.87 to spend on gifts for each other.