When a reader wants to do a close analysis of a character depicted in a story, they must pay attention to numerous factors, for instance: how the characters are described, how they speak, what they say, and how they act. This essay argues that the dialogue is the most important part of the O. Henry’s short story ‘‘The Gift of the Magi’’ for getting to know the characters and revealing their personalities.
In a story, the dialogue gives a voice to the character and allows us to make our own judgment about them, as they speak for themselves and are not portrayed through the eyes of a possibly partial narrator. In ‘‘The Gift of the Magi’’, Della is first introduced by the narrator. ‘‘There was nothing to do but fall on the bed and cry. So Della …show more content…
But these few words that he says are more than enough to understand what he is like as a person. He soothes Della when he says: ‘‘Nothing like a haircut could make me love you any less.’’ With this he shows that he is not superficial, he loves Della for her personality and not for the way she looks.
‘‘Della,’’ said he, ‘‘let's put our Christmas presents away and keep them a while. They're too nice to use now. I sold the watch to get the money to buy the combs. And now I think we should have our dinner.’’
In this passage we find out that both sacrifices were in vain, as neither of them can use their gifts. The situation is really ironic for this reason and it would make sense that Jim would be angry that he sold the watch that once belonged to his grandfather. After all, Della’s hair will eventually grow back and she will be able to use her combs, but the chances of Jim being able to afford a new watch or get his old one back are way slimmer. However, Jim remains calm and does not seem to be bothered by the fact that they both made a mistake, he does not even spend much time discussing it, and he just wants to enjoy dinner with her. This mistake has shown how deeply they care for each other and that they are willing to give up everything to make each other
In a story, the dialogue gives a voice to the character and allows us to make our own judgment about them, as they speak for themselves and are not portrayed through the eyes of a possibly partial narrator. In ‘‘The Gift of the Magi’’, Della is first introduced by the narrator. ‘‘There was nothing to do but fall on the bed and cry. So Della …show more content…
But these few words that he says are more than enough to understand what he is like as a person. He soothes Della when he says: ‘‘Nothing like a haircut could make me love you any less.’’ With this he shows that he is not superficial, he loves Della for her personality and not for the way she looks.
‘‘Della,’’ said he, ‘‘let's put our Christmas presents away and keep them a while. They're too nice to use now. I sold the watch to get the money to buy the combs. And now I think we should have our dinner.’’
In this passage we find out that both sacrifices were in vain, as neither of them can use their gifts. The situation is really ironic for this reason and it would make sense that Jim would be angry that he sold the watch that once belonged to his grandfather. After all, Della’s hair will eventually grow back and she will be able to use her combs, but the chances of Jim being able to afford a new watch or get his old one back are way slimmer. However, Jim remains calm and does not seem to be bothered by the fact that they both made a mistake, he does not even spend much time discussing it, and he just wants to enjoy dinner with her. This mistake has shown how deeply they care for each other and that they are willing to give up everything to make each other