How does the circumstantial struggle in O. Henry’s “The Gift of the Magi” add to the situational irony in the story?
a. Jim and Della's lack of money is magnified when they sell their priceless possessions for gifts that turn out to be meaningless.
b. The love that Jim and Della have for each other is greater than their lack of money.
c. Jim and Della’s poverty is of no consequence because their sacrifices for each other are of more value.
d. Jim and Della sell their possessions to show how much they love each other and not because they are poor.
There circumstanial struggle is that they are poor., right?
I think the answer should be a
I think there is a better answer.
I'm finding the answer to the question to be difficult and I love this story.
Maybe the answer is B?
I think that's a much better answer. And, your are right to like this story. Many people think it's one of the best short stories ever written.
YOU'RE right. Sorry, typo.
a or b I'm confused?
b is the better answer.
You're correct, the circumstantial struggle in "The Gift of the Magi" is that Jim and Della are poor and do not have enough money to buy extravagant gifts for each other. This adds to the situational irony in the story because they both sacrifice their most prized possessions, Della's hair and Jim's watch, to buy each other gifts that become useless in the end.
Option a. Jim and Della's lack of money is magnified when they sell their priceless possessions for gifts that turn out to be meaningless, best explains how the circumstantial struggle contributes to the situational irony. By emphasizing their financial hardship, their sacrifice for each other becomes even more poignant and the irony of their actions is heightened.