Answer:
Step-by-step explanation:
The bolded text from "Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry helps develop a central idea about love and sacrifice by highlighting the selflessness and willingness of the main characters, Della and Jim, to give up something they cherish for the sake of their partner's happiness.
In the passage, Della longs for a set of combs that she had admired for a long time. They symbolize her desire for beauty and the luxurious life she dreams of. Despite knowing their high cost and her inability to afford them, she sacrifices her most prized possession, her beautiful hair, to purchase the combs for Jim. The bolded text emphasizes her initial disappointment when she realizes that her gift is now useless without her hair. However, she still holds onto the combs, displaying her love for Jim and her willingness to make sacrifices for him.
On the other hand, Jim sells his most valuable possession, his watch, to buy a gift for Della. He plans to give her something she has been longing for, but when he sees her hair, which she has cut to obtain money for his present, he realizes the irony and the futility of his gift. The bolded text showcases Jim's understanding of the situation and his appreciation for Della's sacrifice. Instead of expressing disappointment or anger, he suggests that they put away their gifts for a while, recognizing the sentiment behind their actions.
Through this exchange, the bolded text highlights the theme of love and sacrifice in the story. It portrays the characters' genuine love for each other, their willingness to give up their most cherished possessions, and their ability to find joy in the act of giving rather than the material possessions themselves. The central idea conveyed is that true love involves sacrifice and selflessness, where the value of the gift lies not in its material worth but in the depth of the love behind it.