Literary Terms
LITERARY FOCUS: SITUATIONAL IRONY
A story with a surprise ending has an outcome, or conclusion, that most readers would not have predicted. A writer may create a surprise ending by withholding, or not giving, important information to readers. In a well-written story, the conclusion may surprise us, but once we think about it, we realize that it "fits" all the details in the plot.
Surprise endings often create irony--the difference between what we expected would happen and what really happens. Sometimes the ending is not just different from what we expected but contrary to it. Outcomes that are contrary to our expectations are examples of situational irony.
*As you read "The Gift of the Magi," think about what Della and Jim were expecting to happen--and what really happens. In what way is the ending an example of situational irony?
*Like many of O. Henry's stories, "The Gift of the Magi" has a surprise ending. What ending does O.Henry seem to be leading you to? What important information does he withhold from you?
DICTION: PLAIN OR FANCY?
Diction means "word choice." Diction is an important aspect of a writer's style. For instance, look at this sentence from "The Gift of the Magi":
"For ten seconds let us regard with discreet scrutiny some inconsequential object in the other direction."
This fancy, or ornate, language may sound a bit old-fashioned to you. Here is the same sentence rewritten in a simple style that sounds very modern.
"Okay, let's pretend we don't see them."
The two sentences have pretty much the same meaning, but their diction--their choice of words--differs. As you read "The Gift of the Magi," be aware of O. Henry's special style. You'll have a chance to practice rewriting his sentences in simpler language after we read the story.
A story with a surprise ending has an outcome, or conclusion, that most readers would not have predicted. A writer may create a surprise ending by withholding, or not giving, important information to readers. In a well-written story, the conclusion may surprise us, but once we think about it, we realize that it "fits" all the details in the plot.
Surprise endings often create irony--the difference between what we expected would happen and what really happens. Sometimes the ending is not just different from what we expected but contrary to it. Outcomes that are contrary to our expectations are examples of situational irony.
*As you read "The Gift of the Magi," think about what Della and Jim were expecting to happen--and what really happens. In what way is the ending an example of situational irony?
*Like many of O. Henry's stories, "The Gift of the Magi" has a surprise ending. What ending does O.Henry seem to be leading you to? What important information does he withhold from you?
DICTION: PLAIN OR FANCY?
Diction means "word choice." Diction is an important aspect of a writer's style. For instance, look at this sentence from "The Gift of the Magi":
"For ten seconds let us regard with discreet scrutiny some inconsequential object in the other direction."
This fancy, or ornate, language may sound a bit old-fashioned to you. Here is the same sentence rewritten in a simple style that sounds very modern.
"Okay, let's pretend we don't see them."
The two sentences have pretty much the same meaning, but their diction--their choice of words--differs. As you read "The Gift of the Magi," be aware of O. Henry's special style. You'll have a chance to practice rewriting his sentences in simpler language after we read the story.