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.

(4 points)

Answer 1

In this passage, the author uses short, choppy dialogue to convey the shock and disbelief of Jim upon seeing Della's cut hair. This choice in structure creates a sense of tension and immediacy in the conversation, drawing the reader in and emphasizing the emotional impact of the situation. The lack of elaborate descriptions or internal thoughts also adds to the raw, unfiltered emotions being portrayed, making the reader feel more connected to the characters and their predicament. Ultimately, these structural choices enhance the reader's understanding of the characters' feelings and make the story more engaging and relatable.