Question

In “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry, Jim sells his pocket watch to buy combs for Della, while Della sells her hair to buy Jim a chain for his pocket watch.

This is an example of what literary element?

A. foreshadowing

B. satire

C. irony

D. allegory

Answer 1

This is an example or irony, because it is the opposite of what the reader will expect to happen.

Answer 2

Irony

Step-by-step explanation:

"The Gift of The Magi" by O. Henry depicts the selfless love the two characters Jim and Della have for each other. Even though they are poor, they each want to make the other happy. Overlooking their personal need, ironically they secretly sold their prized possessions to get the other gift, which turns useless in the end. Della sells her hair to buy a chain for Jim's pocket watch, but Jim had also sold that pocket watch for a comb, which will no longer be needed as Della sold her hair.