Situational Irony In The Gift Of The Magi

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The Gift of the Magi is an excellent representation of situational irony. In the beginning of the story, Della decides to sell her hair, her most valued possession, so she can afford to obtain a chain for her husband's watch. Ironically, little did Della know, her husband had sold his watch, his most valued possession, to afford combs for her hair. Nevertheless, when they exchange gifts, they are both surprised and upset, realizing neither is able to utilize their gifts. The situational irony occurs when the characters expect to surprise each other with their gift, however, ruining them in an unexpected way. In the end, they understood their possessions were not as valuable as the people around them.
Material possessions are a dominant substance
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