The gift of the magi by o. henry (adapted excerpt) della had been saving every penny she could for months, but twenty dollars a week didn't go far. expenses had been greater than she had calculated, and she had only $1.87 to buy a present for jim. many a happy hour she had spent planning for something nice for him, something fine and rare and sterling—something just a little bit near to being worthy of the honor of being owned by jim. there was a pier-glass between the windows of the room, and bella suddenly whirled from the window and stood before the glass. her eyes were shining brilliantly, but her face had lost its color within twenty seconds. rapidly she pulled down her hair and let it fall to its full length. had the queen of sheba lived in the flat across, della would have let her hair hang out the window just to depreciate her majesty's jewels and gifts. so now della's beautiful hair fell about her rippling and shining like a cascade of brown waters. and then she did it up again nervously and quickly, and once she faltered for a minute and stood still while a tear or two splashed on the worn red carpet.
which statement best describes how della's love for jim affects the plot?
a. It motivates Della to sell her hair so that she can buy a gift for Jim.
b. It causes Della to quit her job in order to spend more time with Jim.
c. It makes Della realize that she loves her own looks more than she loves Jim.
d. It makes Della want to go out for shopping to buy pretty things for herself.