Discuss the discourse used in “The Gift of the Magi” by O.Henry in terms of gender and class. Make sure that you comment on the underlying message of the specific discursive structure that operates on both levels. Try to elaborate on the reason why concepts such as goodness, sacrifice and love are represented in association with povery. Do you think poverty is idealized for some reason in the text. If so, why? Why do you think Della’s most valuable thing is her hair, a part of her body and Jim’s most valuable possession is his watch? In what way do think this effects the representation of each gender?
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