Here's why:
* Short story: It's a brief fictional narrative with a focused plot and limited characters.
* Romantic: The story focuses on the love and sacrifice between Della and Jim, highlighting their deep affection and willingness to give up their most prized possessions for each other.
* Irony: The story is built around a central irony: both Della and Jim sell their most treasured possessions to buy gifts for each other, only to discover that the gifts are useless because they are now missing the very thing they sold to afford the gift. This creates a poignant and bittersweet effect.
* Realism: Despite the romantic and ironic aspects, the story portrays the struggles of a young couple in poverty, highlighting their resourcefulness and their commitment to each other in the face of adversity.
While the story is classified as romantic, it also contains elements of humor and tragedy, making it a rich and multifaceted piece of literature.