Question

Which sentence from "The Gift of the Magi" provides the BEST example of the author’s use of foreshadowing to create tension?

Answer 1

Answer:

C. "Now, there were two possessions of the James Dillingham Youngs in which they both took a mighty pride."

Explanation:

The short story "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry tells the story of how a couple's selfless love for each other made the best of their Christmas plans. The real nature of the Christmas spirit was shown through their genuine respect for each other.

In the story, the lines "Now, there were two possessions of the James Dillingham Youngs in which they both took a mighty pride" foreshadows the future tension that will be seen in the end. Jim and Della, the two protagonists of the story, sold their most precious possessions just to get the other a gift that will be of great importance to them. Jim sold his watch to buy an ornamental comb for Della who has long beautiful hair while Della sold her hair to get a chain for Jim's watch. The two "possessions" mentioned in the line above which "they both took a mighty pride" are the comb and the watch. And it is these two items that will create the tension for the plot in the story.

Answer 2

C. This foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of both people's cherished possessions.