Irony the Gift of the Magi Research Assignment

Irony the Gift of the Magi
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The story “The Gift of the Magi” as written by O. Henry presents various forms of irony. The irony in a story is a case when a situation or incident turns out contrary to expectations. O. Henry applies irony in the story to add humor into the writing, put emphasis on the moral of the story and also to make the reader or audience think about the underlying meaning of various sayings in the story. In the story by O. Henry, various forms of irony have been used. Examples include verbal irony, dramatic irony, situational irony, the irony of foolishness, and the Magi’s Gift. This essay will discuss each of the ironies as illustrated in the story.
Verbal irony can be defined as a situation when a character talks some words which are in contrast with their literal meaning or rather says something that is different from a certain situation. In the story “The Gift of the Magi”, the writer applies this type of irony by revealing that Dillingham Youngs had $1.87 only for the gifts. The writer states that “There was clearly nothing to do but flop down on the shabby little couch and howl. So Della did it. Which is predominating.” This is ironical in a way that Della feels sorry for her situation and financial challenges although does not have enough finances to acquire a gift. However, it is ironical since the situation is not tragic. Della goes to the point of selling her hair to buy a present for Jim. The author sarcastically describes this incident by saying the act of charitable love has its consequences that are not easy to overcome hence says the shorter hair is not easy to style.
The irony of foolishness is also evident in the story “The Gift of the Magi”. Della and Jim Dillingham are a young and poor couple yet they a...