In the space below, write a 500-word essay describing the theme of O. Henry's "The Gift of the Magi." Explain how the author uses irony as an essential tool in developing this theme.

O'Henry used irony in "The Gift of the Magi". This tool was essential to developing the story's theme by showing that the couple bought gifts for each other that they could not actually use at the moment. The author used this to show that people of the society should value the things they've received from others, because you may never know if they sacrificed there most nicest possession to get the gift for the other person.

Question

English

Allison Howard

17 March, 02:43

In the space below, write a 500-word essay describing the theme of O. Henry's "The Gift of the Magi." Explain how the author uses irony as an essential tool in developing this theme.

O'Henry used irony in "The Gift of the Magi". This tool was essential to developing the story's theme by showing that the couple bought gifts for each other that they could not actually use at the moment. The author used this to show that people of the society should value the things they've received from others, because you may never know if they sacrificed there most nicest possession to get the gift for the other person.

+5

Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Mariyah Orozco · Answer 1

The story is actually about a couple buying gifts for each other. The story makes use of irony to show that the efforts of the characters only result to invalidating their gifts. They sold their precious items which were actually the basis for each other's gifts. By getting rid of those items, the gifts become useless. Nevertheless, the gifts are still meaningful and proof of each other's love.