To Della th thought of her not having a nice present for Jim is sadder than her

husband’s present. To Della, the thought of her not having a nice present for Jim is sadder than her losing her hair. From this quote, the reader can see how altruistic Della truly is.

Short Story Elements Example the Story Significance to Story or Impact on Story Setting “While the mistress of the home is gradually subsiding from the first stage to the second, take a look at the home. A furnished flat at $8 per week. It did not exactly beggar description, but it cer- tainly had that word on the look- out for the mendicancy squad. In the vestibule below was a let- ter-box into which no letter would go, and an electric button from which no mortal finger could coax a ring. Also appertaining thereunto was a card bearing the name "Mr. James Dillingham Young." This example gives the reader in- sight into the couple’s living situ- ation. According to the descrip- tion, the couple’s flat is sparsely furnished, with a broken mailbox and doorbell. From this descrip- tion of their poverty, the reader can understand why Della does not have much extra money to buy her husband a nice Christ- mas present. Tone or Mood “Only $1.87 to buy a present for Jim. Her Jim. Many a happy hour she had spent planning for something nice for him. Some- thing fine and rare and sterling-- something just a little bit near to being worthy of the honor of be- ing owned by Jim.” The tone of “The Gift of the Magi” is affectionate. In the quote, Della is deeply upset by the fact that she cannot buy Jim a present he deserves. From this, the reader