Question

Although they couldn't spend much money, Curtis and Erica each wanted to

purchase a meaningful wedding anniversary gift for the other. Erica's most beloved
possession was an original painting she had always wanted professionally framed.
Curtis treasured an antique microscope with a cracked lens that required extensive
repairs. After some deliberation, Erica sold her painting to pay for the microscope
repairs. But she returned home with the cash to discover the microscope was gone.
Curtis had just sold it to purchase a frame for Erica's painting.
How does the author employ archetypes to develop the characters in the passage?

Answer 1

The passage uses the 'sacrificing spouse' archetype, mirroring 'The Gift of the Magi' and highlighting themes of love, sacrifice, and irony.

Step-by-step explanation:

The author in the passage uses the archetype of the sacrificing spouse, which is a classic element in literature where one character makes a significant sacrifice for the love and well-being of another. This situation mirrors the story of 'The Gift of the Magi' by O. Henry, where both protagonists sell their most treasured possessions to buy a gift for the other, leading to an ironic and bittersweet outcome. The characters, Curtis and Erica, display their love and selflessness through their actions, creating a depth to their characters that aligns with an archetypal narrative of self-sacrifice and irony in relationships, emphasizing themes of love, value, and irony.