illustration of two people, a woman and a man, looking at one another in profile with an ornate hair comb between them

The Gift of the Magi

by O. Henry

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The Gift of the Magi Questions on Madame Sofronie

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The Gift of the Magi

The quote from "The Gift of the Magi" illustrates Madame Sofronie's lack of sophistication and impersonality. When Della offers to sell her hair, Madame Sofronie responds bluntly, reflecting her...

1 educator answer

The Gift of the Magi

Direct characterization in "The Gift of the Magi" includes explicit descriptions, such as Della's long, beautiful hair and Jim's prized watch. Indirect characterization is shown through their actions...

6 educator answers

The Gift of the Magi

The main characters in "The Gift of the Magi" are Jim and Della Young, a poor married couple who each sacrifice their most prized possession to buy a Christmas gift for the other. Della sells her...

8 educator answers

The Gift of the Magi

Madame Sofronie is a minor character in "The Gift of the Magi." She is the owner of a hair goods shop where Della sells her long hair to buy a Christmas gift for her husband, Jim. Sofronie is...

3 educator answers

The Gift of the Magi

The irony in describing Madame Sofronie as "large, too white, chilly" lies in the contrast between her appearance and the expectation set by her name. Despite the exotic and elegant implication of...

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The Gift of the Magi

Readers get the impression that Madame Sofronie is uncaring and heartless, and that impression is created through a mixture of direct and indirect characterization.

1 educator answer