The Gift of the Magi

Question

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 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 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 increases the empathy that the reader has towards the characters.

Answer 1

The passage you provided is actually written in a third-person perspective, not second-person. This perspective allows the reader to observe the characters and their situation from a distance, influencing the tone in a specific way.

Based on the potential responses given:

1. "It makes the reader feel as if they are a character in the story themselves." - This would be true if it were in second-person, but it's not applicable here.

2. "It makes them feel the same hopelessness as the main character." - The third-person perspective does convey the struggles of the characters, which can evoke feelings of hopelessness.

3. "It provides the reader with a richer sensory experience." - This is possible, as the descriptive language in third-person can enhance sensory details.

4. "It increases the empathy that the reader has towards the characters." - The third-person perspective can foster empathy by providing insight into the characters’ lives and struggles.

If you need to select one response based on the third-person perspective of the passage, "It increases the empathy that the reader has towards the characters." would be the best choice.