In the gift of magi what language gives sense time and place?

The Gift of the Magi takes place in a specific time and place, but the story itself doesn't explicitly use any language to convey that information. Instead, it relies on subtle details and context clues to create a strong sense of setting:

Time:

* Early 1900s: The story mentions "Christmas Eve" and "two dollars and eighty-seven cents," both common markers of the early 20th century. The text also hints at the era's socioeconomic struggles, with the characters having to make sacrifices for the holidays.

* The Victorian Era: The story's sentimentality and focus on self-sacrifice are typical of the Victorian era's social values.

Place:

* New York City: The story mentions "a furnished flat" and "the little flat below," indicating an urban setting likely in New York City, where O. Henry frequently set his stories.

* Working-class neighborhood: The couple's limited finances and the modest descriptions of their belongings point to a working-class neighborhood.

The story's language is more focused on the characters' emotions and the themes of love, sacrifice, and the true meaning of Christmas. It uses vivid descriptions of their actions and feelings, along with poetic language to create a sense of intimacy and emotional impact.

Therefore, it's not a specific language that gives sense to the time and place, but rather the overall context and atmosphere created by the author's choice of words and details.