Characterization, Theme, and Irony in "The Gift of the Magi"

Inferring Theme

"Will you buy my hair?" asked Della. "I buy hair," said Madame. "Take yer hat off and let's have a sight at the looks of it." Down rippled the brown cascade. "Twenty dollars," said Madame, lifting the mass with a practised hand. "Give it to me quick," said Della. Oh, and the next two hours tripped by on rosy wings. Forget the hashed metaphor. She was ransacking the stores for Jim's present. —"The Gift of the Magi," O. Henry Based on Della's actions and feelings, what theme is best expressed in this passage? Making sacrifices for a loved one can make a person happy.

Theme

A theme is one message a text convey about a topic. A theme is: •expressed in sentence. •an observation about life rather than a moral judgement on how people should act. Theme: •Heroes can be everyday people who rise to a challenge. Not themes: •To be heroic, you should help others. •Heroism

Using Text Evidence to make an Inference about Della

Based on evidence in the passage, what inference can be made about Della? Della was proud of her beautiful hair and feels scared and sad about giving it up.

Characterization

Characterization is the way a writer PRESENTS and DEVELOPS characters. Direct characterization •The author tells readers directly about a character's physical appearance and personality. Example: He looked thin and very serious. - "The Gift of the Magi" O.Henry Indirect characterization (INTERFERENCE) •The author shows readers about a character through words, actions, thoughts, and feelings. Example: Many a happy hour she had spent planning for something nice for him. - "The Gift of the Magi" O.Henry

Understanding Irony

Irony is a disconnect between what is expected and what occurs. There are three types of irony. Dramatic irony •When an audience or reader knows more about the character's situation than the characters do. Example: The reader knows that the villain is the hero's father, but the hero does not. Situational irony •When what happens is the opposite of what it is expected to happen. Example: You step under an awning to escape the rain, only to be splashed by a worker throwing out the dishwasher. Verbal irony •When someone says the opposite of what is meant Example: A character says, "Smooth move!" when someone trips.

Identify Direct and Indirect Characterization

The door opened and Jim stepped in and closed it. He looked thin and very serious. Poor fellow, he was only twenty-two and to be burdened with a family! He needed a new overcoat and he was without gloves. —"The Gift of the Magi," O. Henry "He looked thin and very serious." direct "He was only twenty-two." direct "He needed a new overcoat and he was without gloves." indirect

Supporting an Inference with Text Evidence

Which sentence supports the inference that Jim loves Della for more than just her looks? "I don't think there's anything in the way of a haircut or a shave or a shampoo that could make me like my girl any less."

Direct and Indirect Characterization

• "Della, being slender, had mastered the art." direct characterization • "Madame, large, too white, chilly, hardly looked the Sofronie." direct characterization • "Twenty dollars.' said Madame, lifting the mass with a practised hand." indirect characterization • "Grand as the watch was, he sometimes looked at it on the sly on account of the old leather strap that he used in place of a chain." direct characterization

Using Text Evidence to Make Inference

•First identify details where character reveals indirectly through their speech, interactions, thoughts or physical appearance. •Prior knowledge •Human nature

Connecting Irony to Theme

•Irony: Della cannot use her new combs because she cut her hair to buy Jim's present. •Irony: Jim cannot use Della's present because he sold his watch to buy Della's combs. Theme: Those who sacrifice for each other are the wisest.

O.Henry 1862-1910

•Was a pseudonym (pen name) for William Sydney Porter. •Wrote short stories about ordinary people and their daily lives. •Often included humor and surprise ending in his stories. •Wrote one story a week from 1903 to 1906. •Wrote stories that were popular during his lifetime, and remain so today.

Words to Know

•develop •theme •characterization •irony