CORE ISSUE PORTRAIT IN O' HENRY'S THE GIFT OF MAGI PSYCHOLOGICAL ISSUE OF DELLA DILLINGHAM

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the core issues of the main female character, Della Dillingham. This study uses an approach from Lois Tyson about core issues. The method used in this study is descriptive qualitative. The results of this study found that Della had four kinds of core issues out of the five core issues proposed by Tyson. Those are low self-esteem, Insecure or unstable sense of self, Fear of intimacy, and Fear of abandonment. Low self-esteem is about Della's perspective on her value and beauty. Insecure or unstable sense of self, refers to Della's decision to sell her beautiful long hair and her husband's response to her decision. Then,  fear of intimacy refers to emotions that she gives to her husband through her gift will not be conveyed. And lastly is fear of abandonment, refers to Della's fear of  being abandoned both physically and emotionally by her husband.