The Gift of the Magi

Question

 by O. Henry

“You’ve cut off your hair?” asked Jim, laboriously, as if he had not arrived at that patent fact yet even after the hardest mental labor.

“Cut it off and sold it,” said Della. “Don’t you like me just as well, anyhow? I’m me without my hair, ain’t I?”

Jim looked about the room curiously.

“You say your hair is gone?” he said, with an air almost of idiocy.

1 of 5
Question
Use the passage to answer the question.

Analyze the structural choices the author makes in the passage. In 3–5 sentences, explain what impact these have on you as a reader.

Answer 1

The author's choice to have Jim repeat Della's revelation about her hair being cut off emphasizes the shock and disbelief he is experiencing. This repetition creates a sense of incredulity and adds to the overall emotional impact of the moment. It also helps to highlight the sacrifice Della made in cutting off her hair to buy a gift for Jim. As a reader, this structural choice serves to enhance the poignancy of the story and deepens the emotional connection to the characters.