Question

in \the gift of the magi,\ when jim buys combs for della, the irony is that

• della had bought jim a more expensive gift.
• della’s hair held more jewels than a queen.
• della had cut off her hair to buy jim’s gift.
• della’s hair is too long and thick for combs.

Explanation:

In "The Gift of the Magi", Della cuts her hair to buy a gift for Jim (a watch chain), and Jim buys combs for Della's hair. The irony is that Jim's gift (combs) is now useless because Della no longer has long hair to use them, as she cut it off. The other options don't relate to this situational irony: the first is about gift cost, the second is a description not irony, and the fourth is incorrect as Della had long hair before cutting it.

Answer:

C. Della had cut off her hair to buy Jim’s gift.