The theme of "The Gift of the Magi" can best be described as .

despair, as developed with the line, "There was clearly nothing to do but flop down on the shabby little couch and howl."
self-sacrifice, as developed with the line, "I had my hair cut off and sold because I couldn't have lived through Christmas without giving you a present."
acceptance, as developed with the line, "I don't think there's anything in the way of a haircut or a shave or a shampoo that could make me like my girl any less."
hope, as developed with the line, "My hair grows so fast, Jim!"

Part a which statement best describes a central idea in this narrative? in times of tragedy, it is difficult to determine how best to be of service. in times of crisis, people prefer to be alone. young people tend to look to older people to take action in times of tragedy. when people publicly commit to being of service, they are more likely to follow through. part b which detail from the text best to shape the central idea in part a? "'i thought you might have too much going on already. i saw everyone post online.' martin said, 'i don’t think anyone wanted to be in the way today, so i’m glad you came.'" "finally, he said, 'i don’t know what to do. i guess i should tell him to let me know if he needs anything, but that doesn’t feel like enough.'" "he wondered how many people would actually show up to out and how many would simply hope that enough others did." "he explained to her that martin’s mom had died, and told her how he felt about his friend’s loss. 'what do you plan to do for him? ' his mother asked."