Structuralism Analysis of Irony and Sacrifice in The Gift of The Magi

Abstract

Short stories are one of the most accessible forms of literary work and are important to analyze through their intrinsic elements, as they reflect human life in both realistic and imaginative ways through concise narratives. In O. Henry’s The Gift of the Magi, the phenomena of irony and sacrifice are strongly portrayed through the characters’ actions and the development of the plot, which contribute significantly to the meaning of the story. Therefore, this study aims to analyze how irony and sacrifice are represented through the intrinsic elements of the short story by applying a structuralist approach. This study uses a qualitative method with descriptive analysis. The findings show that irony and sacrifice are interconnected in constructing the story’s meaning, particularly through characterization and plot development. These elements strengthen the emotional impact and moral message conveyed in the story. Thus, this study highlights that the relationship between intrinsic elements can provide a deeper understanding of the literary work.

Keyword: Short Story, Intrinsic Elements, Structuralism, Irony, Sacrafice