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Question

Question
Select the type of irony used in each story.(1 point)
situational irony dramatic irony
In O. Henry's short story "The Gift of the Magi," Della cuts off her long, beautiful hair and sells it to buy a watch chain for her husband's prized pocket watch. Jim, her husband, sells his pocket watch to buy an ornate brush for his wife, Della.

In the autobiographical novel, Brown Girl Dreaming, Jacqueline's mother sees her wiring and says, "Just so long as you are not writing about our family." At this point in the novel, Jacqueline is a child who does not know what she will become an author and will eventually write this autobiography about her family.

Answer 1

Here are the types of irony used in each story:

1. In O. Henry's short story "The Gift of the Magi," the type of irony used is situational irony. The characters make sacrifices for each other, purchasing gifts that render their own sacrifices worthless, which creates an unexpected outcome.

2. In the autobiographical novel, Brown Girl Dreaming, the type of irony used is dramatic irony. The mother is unaware that Jacqueline will grow up to be an author who writes about their family, while the audience knows Jacqueline's future, creating a contrast between her mother’s expectation and the reality of Jacqueline's eventual career as a writer.

So, to sum up:

• "The Gift of the Magi" - Situational irony
• "Brown Girl Dreaming" - Dramatic irony