Respond+to+ONE+of+the+following+questions.+Your+response+should+include+the+following+to+receive+the+points+in+parentheses%3A+Respond+in+a+well-organized+essay.+Your+answer+should+be+written+in+complete+sentences.+(16+pts)+(a)+Define+the+term+conflict+as+it+relates+to+literature+and+explain+its+importance+in+narrative+writing.+Briefly+describe+the+different+types+of+internal+and+external+conflict.+Then+choose+ONE+short+story+or+poem+you+read+for+this+course.+Explain+how+the+author+introduces%2C+develops%2C+and+resolves+a+major+conflict+in+this+narrative.+(b)+Recall+what+you+have+learned+about+different+genres%2C+or+types%2C+of+narratives+and+how+to+analyze+a+narrative.+Then+choose+ONE+short+story+you+read+for+this+course.+State+the+author%E2%80%99s+purpose+for+writing+the+story+(to+inform+or+explain%2C+to+describe%2C+to+persuade%2C+or+to+entertain)+and+summarize+the+main+idea.+Briefly+discuss+the+techniques+the+author+used+(such+as+figurative+language+or+metaphor).+Evaluate+the+effectiveness+of+these+techniques+in+achieving+the+author%E2%80%99s+purpose.+(c)+Identify+a+major+theme+in+ONE+of+the+stories+or+poems+you+read+for+this+course.+State+the+theme+in+a+complete+sentence.+Then+explain+how+the+author+develops+this+theme+throughout+the+story+or+poem+through+plot+events%2C+character+development%2C+dialogue%2C+and+other+story+elements.+Select+the+link+to+access+the+English+Essay+Rubric.
(c) Identify a major theme in ONE of the stories or poems you read for this course. State the theme in a complete sentence. Then explain how the author develops this theme throughout the story or poem through plot events, character development, dialogue, and other story elements.
Theme: The power of love and sacrifice
In the short story "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry, the major theme is the power of love and sacrifice. The story revolves around a young married couple, Jim and Della, who are struggling financially to buy each other Christmas gifts.
Throughout the story, the author develops this theme through various plot events. Firstly, both Jim and Della are willing to sacrifice their most valuable possessions to buy something meaningful for their spouse. Della sells her beautiful long hair to buy a chain for Jim's pocket watch, whereas Jim sells his watch to buy combs for Della's hair. These actions demonstrate their selflessness and the depth of their love for each other.
Additionally, the author uses character development to further highlight the theme. Both Jim and Della are portrayed as generous and compassionate individuals. Their love for each other is expressed not through expensive gifts but through their willingness to give up their prized possessions. This showcases the power of love and sacrifice in their relationship.
Dialogue also plays a significant role in developing the theme. When Della reveals her decision to cut her hair, she says, "Give it to me quick, Jim," showing her eagerness to make the sacrifice for him. Jim, upon receiving the gift, exclaims, "I sold the watch to get the money to buy the combs," indicating his willingness to let go of something valuable to provide Della with a gift. The dialogue reinforces the theme by illustrating their love and sacrifice in their own words.
Furthermore, the story's plot events and other story elements contribute to the development of the theme. The setting, which takes place during Christmas, emphasizes the importance of giving and selflessness. The author uses irony in the ending, where Jim and Della realize that their gifts are now useless. This ironic twist reinforces the theme that the true value of their gifts lies in the love and sacrifice behind them, rather than the material objects themselves.
In conclusion, the theme of the power of love and sacrifice in "The Gift of the Magi" is developed through various techniques, including plot events, character development, dialogue, and other story elements. O. Henry effectively portrays the depth of love between Jim and Della by illustrating their willingness to give up their most cherished possessions for each other's happiness. The story serves as a reminder of the transformative power of love and the importance of selflessness in relationships.