In “the gift of the magi” by o. henry, jim sells his pocket watch to buy combs for della, while della sells her hair to buy jim a chain for his pocket watch. this is an example of what literary element? a. foreshadowing b. satire c. irony d. allegory

Irony

Explanation:

"The Gift of The Magi" by O. Henry depicts the selfless love the two characters Jim and Della have for each other. Even though they are poor, they each want to make the other happy. Overlooking their personal need, ironically they secretly sold their prized possessions to get the other gift, which turns useless in the end. Della sells her hair to buy a chain for Jim's pocket watch, but Jim had also sold that pocket watch for a comb, which will no longer be needed as Della sold her hair.

imparadis't in one anothers arms  

the happier eden, shall enjoy their fill  

of bliss on bliss, while i to hell am thrust,  

where neither joy nor love, but fierce desire,  

among our other torments not the least,  

still unfulfill'd with pain of longing pines;  

yet let me not forget what i have gain'd  

from their own mouths; all is not theirs it seems:  

one fatal tree there stands of knowledge call'd,  

forbidden them to taste: knowledge forbidd'n?  

suspicious, reasonless. why should their lord  

envie them that? can it be sin to know,