Question

(7) suddenly she whirled from the window and stood before the glass. her eyes were shining brilliantly, but her face had lost its colour within twenty seconds. rapidly she pulled down her hair and let it fall to its full length.

what does the author mean when he writes that dellas \face had lost its colour\?

della has realized what she must give up for jim.
dellas hair is her only element of beauty.
dellas complexion is fair and exquisite.
della has become sick with worry about jims gift.

Explanation:

Analyze the context and physical reaction

The passage from O. Henry's "The Gift of the Magi" describes Della turning to the mirror, her eyes shining, but her face rapidly losing its color before she lets down her hair. The sudden loss of color (turning pale) represents a moment of intense realization, shock, or fear regarding a major decision.

Evaluate the options based on character motivation

Della's physical reaction occurs right before she lets down her beautiful hair, which she decides to sell to buy a Christmas gift for Jim. The loss of color signifies her sudden, stark realization of the sacrifice she is about to make (cutting and selling her hair) for Jim's sake.

Answer:

• (A) Della has realized what she must give up for Jim. (Correct answer)
• (B) Della's hair is her only element of beauty.
• (C) Della's complexion is fair and exquisite.
• (D) Della has become sick with worry about Jim's gift.