Question

The Gift of the Magi by O.Henry In the vestibule below was a letter-box into which no letter would go, and an electric button from which no mortal finger could coax a ring. Also appertaining thereunto was a card bearing the name “Mr. James Dillingham Young.” The “Dillingham” had been flung to the breeze during a former period of prosperity when its possessor was being paid $30 per week. Now, when the income was shrunk to $20, the letters of “Dillingham” looked blurred, as though they were thinking seriously of contracting to a modest and unassuming D. But whenever Mr. James Dillingham Young came home and reached his flat above he was called “Jim” and greatly hugged by Mrs. James Dillingham Young, already introduced to you as Della. Which is all very good. "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry Question Use the passage to answer the question. How does the second-person perspective used in this passage affect the passage's tone? (1 point) Responses It makes them feel the same hopelessness as the main character. It makes them feel the same hopelessness as the main character. It provides the reader with a richer sensory experience. It provides the reader with a richer sensory experience. It makes the reader feel as if they are a character in the story themselves. It makes the reader feel as if they are a character in the story themselves. It increases the empathy that the reader has towards the characters. It increases the empathy that the reader has towards the characters.

Answer 1

The passage provided does not actually employ a second-person perspective; it uses a third-person perspective to narrate the story. As such, the question regarding how the second-person perspective affects the tone may be misleading. However, if we consider a general discussion of tone and perspective in storytelling contexts, let's evaluate the responses under the assumption of a hypothetical second-person narrative.

If the passage had employed a second-person perspective, it might have made the reader feel as if they were a character in the story themselves. This can heighten engagement and immersion, making the reader more intimately involved in the emotions and experiences of the characters.

Therefore, the most appropriate answer to the question as if the passage had used a second-person perspective would be:

It makes the reader feel as if they are a character in the story themselves.

However, it is important to note that this interpretation is based on an incorrect assumption about the narrative perspective in the provided passage.