Use Of Irony In The Gift Of The Magi

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Recommended: Critical analysis of the gift of the magi

In the short story, “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry, the author uses two main types of literary devices to illustrate the theme. The author refers to the story of the Magi, also known as the three “wise men” who brought gifts of frankincense, myrrh, and gold to the infant Jesus, according to the Bible. The magi are thought to have invented the idea of Christmas presents. O. Henry illustrates that true love is more valuable than any object through his use of irony and similes.
O. Henry uses irony to demonstrate the theme, true love is more valuable than any object. For example, even though they were poor, the made sure to get each other gifts. Della only had $1.87 to buy Jim a gift, but the only thing on her mind was to find “something …show more content…

Henry uses similes to demonstrate the theme of the story. For example, Della let her hair down and “Della’s beautiful hair fell about her rippling and shining like a cascade of brown waters”(3). Della valued her hair and it was the most valuable thing she owned, but she still thought about selling it if it meant she could get Jim a present for Christmas. She was willing to sacrifice everything she had for Jim. Della sold her hair and before Jim came home, she curled her hair. When Della had finished “her head was covered with tiny, close-lying curls that made her look wonderfully like a truant schoolboy”(5). Della sacrificed her hair to get money for Jim’s Christmas present which shows that she loves Jim so much, she would even sell her most prized possession, her hair.
O. Henry uses irony and similes to demonstrate the theme of the story, “The Gift of the Magi.” In the story, the author tries to show us that true love is more valuable than any item or object anyone can receive or own. In the end, Della and Jim gave each other gifts, but they sacrificed their most valued possessions and were not able to use the gifts they received from each other. The author states that the magi were wise men who even invented the art of giving Christmas presents, however, the author said that Della and Jim are the wisest out of all who give

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