Irony In O. Henry's The Gift Of The Magi

“Of all who give and receive gifts, such as they are the wisest.”(Henry 108). This is one of the quotes from O. Henry’s short story, “The Gift of the Magi.” “The Gift of the Magi,” by O. Henry, is short about two adults making a sacrifice for one another. “The Gift of the Magi,” by O. Henry, is about sacrificing something for someone else which is revealed by the author’s irony, descriptive language, and dialogue. In this story, “The Gift of the Magi,” the author uses different situations throughout the story to show irony. “For there lay the combs- the set of combs, side and back, that Della had worshiped for long in a Broadway window.”(108). In these words, the author is describing what Della had wanted for a very long time, but no longer has her long hair.

Henry uses dialogue to show the character’s reactions to different situations throughout the story. The text states,” ‘Will you buy my hair?’ asked Della. ‘I buy hair,’ said Madame. ‘Take yer hat off and let’s have a sight at the looks of it.’ Down rippled the brown cascade.’Twenty dollars,’ said Madame, lifting the mass with a practiced hand.’Give it to me quick,’ said Della.”(105). This represents dialogue because Della and Madame are having a conversation during the story. This reveals how Della is desperately in need of money to buy Jim a present through dialogue.The text also states,”I had my hair cut off and sold it because I couldn’t have lived through Christmas without giving you a present. It’ll grow again- you won’t mind will you?”(106). This reveals dialogue because Della is showing her feelings towards Jim, hoping that he would not be mad at her by talking and explaining to him why she cut her hair. The author also states,”I sold the watch to get the money to buy your combs. And now suppose you put the chops on.”(108). This dialogue is showing how Jim gave up his most valuable possession to buy Della a Christmas present, which is now useless because Della sold her to buy Jim a