1. foreshadowing: O. Henry uses foreshadowing to subtly hint at potential conflicts or challenges that lie ahead. For example, early in the story, Della describes selling her beautiful hair for $20, hinting at their financial difficulties. This creates a sense of foreboding and suggests that the couple may face obstacles in their quest for the perfect gifts.
2. Limited Point of View: The story is told from the third-person limited point of view, primarily focusing on Della's perspective. This limited perspective creates a sense of intimacy between the reader and the character, making the readers invested in her emotional journey. They experience her anxious anticipation and uncertainty as she awaits Jim's reaction to her gift.
3. Pacing and Dialogue: The author expertly controls the pacing of the narrative, building momentum as the story progresses. The dialogue between Della and Jim is used to convey their emotions, desires, and motivations, further adding layers of suspense. The reader becomes increasingly curious about how their gift-giving will transpire and whether they will face any unexpected obstacles.
4. Dramatic Irony: O. Henry employs dramatic irony to build suspense. Della's sacrifice her beautiful hair for a platinum fob chain for Jim's watch, while Jim sells his watch to buy a set of combs for Della's hair. The readers know what their gifts are and how perfectly suited they are for each other, but neither Della nor Jim are aware of the irony. This creates a tension as the readers anxiously wait for the moment when the characters discover the truth.
5. Climax and Resolution: The climax of the story occurs when Della and Jim learn about each other's sacrifices and the unexpected twist of their gift exchange. The resolution is bittersweet as the author reveals the true value of their love and selflessness, despite their lack of financial means. This unexpected turn of events adds an element of surprise and heightens the suspenseful nature of the narrative.
By employing these techniques, O. Henry skillfully creates suspense in "The Gift of the Magi," keeping the readers engaged and eager to uncover the ultimate outcome of the characters' heartfelt yet challenging gift-giving endeavor.