In a well developed paragraph of 5 – 7 sentences, describe the situational irony in “the gift of the magi”. how is this irony critical to the story’s theme?

The ending of the story is laced with irony due to the unsuspected resolution that comes about from both characters having gone through the same sacrifices to obtain the gifts they so sorely wanted to give to each other. The fact that they can not use the gifts they received is secondary to the intention of getting the gifts in the first place. The theme of gratitude which the story represents is emphasized in this fashion. Both of them are grateful for what the other has done because they are trying to keep each other happy on Christmas. The point of the story is not about material satisfaction, but about a deeper spiritual satisfaction which comes from sincerely caring for others.