Final answer:
The phrase "One dollar and eighty-seven cents" emphasizes the protagonists' financial struggles, the significant impact of the limited funds they possess, and symbolizes the value of their sacrifices, demonstrating their deep love and generosity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The repetition of the phrase "One dollar and eighty-seven cents" in the short story, "The Gift of the Magi", serves multiple purposes. It highlights the protagonists' financial struggles, as they are repeatedly faced with the reality of their limited resources. This phrase also helps to emphasize the significance of the amount of money they have, illustrating the weight of every cent in their impoverished circumstances. The careful consideration they must give to any expense shows how these constraints affect their daily lives and decision-making. Lastly, it symbolizes the value of their sacrifice; the amount represents all that they can offer, yet their willingness to give it up for one another demonstrates the depth of their love and the essence of true generosity.