Question

So now Della's beautiful hair fell about her rippling and shining like a cascade of brown waters. It reached below her knee and made itself almost a garment for her. And then she did it up again nervously and quickly. Once she faltered for a minute and stood still while a tear or two splashed on the worn red carpet. On went her old brown jacket; on went her old brown hat. With a whirl of skirts and with the brilliant sparkle still in her eyes, she fluttered out the door and down the stairs to the street. What is the purpose of the author’s description of Della’s hair and clothing? The author illustrates the drabness of Della’s life by describing her brown hair, brown jacket, and brown hat. The author expresses the idea that Della’s hair is a better garment than her jacket. The author is emphasizing Della’s poverty as she goes out to buy a gift for Jim. The author emphasizes the value of Della’s hair by contrasting its beauty with the plainness of her clothing.

Answer 1

Answer:

The author emphasizes the value of Della’s hair by contrasting its beauty with the plainness of her clothing.

Explanation:

This an excerpt from The Gift of the Magi. It is important to emphasize the value of Della's hair because she is about to cut it off and sell it so she can have enough money to buy Jack a christmas present. By describing her hair as "rippling" and "shining" the reader pictures beauty and worth. This is emphasized by her drab, plain clothes that are colorless.