Final answer:
In "The Gift of the Magi," the selling of Della's hair as the first gift is a central plot device that creates the conflict and develops the story's theme of selfless love, with the narrative structured chronologically and using dialogue to build the emotional climax.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question "How does the first gift help develop the plot of the story?" refers to the central action in the short story "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry. The plot revolves around a young couple, Jim and Della, who are in a financial predicament but want to buy Christmas gifts for each other. The first gift in the story is the selling of Della's hair to buy a chain for Jim's watch. This act sets up the surprise ending and serves as the main conflict throughout the story. The author conveys this through their writing by using description, dialogue, and the narrative structure to create suspense and emotional impact.
The author uses dialogue to reveal the characters' thoughts and emotions, enhancing our understanding of their sacrifices. Additionally, the narrative is organized chronologically, which establishes the flow of events leading up to the emotional climax. These literary elements work together to highlight the irony and the theme of selfless love in the story.