No, the Queen of Sheba did not actually live in the flat across the airshaft. This scenario is presented as a hypothetical situation within the narrative, serving to emphasize a character's deep value for their possessions.
The Imaginative Comparison
The reference to the Queen of Sheba illustrates a powerful "what if" moment in the story. It posits an exaggerated, imaginative situation to highlight the exceptional quality of Della's hair. Specifically, it describes that:
- If the Queen of Sheba had lived in the flat opposite theirs, Della's beautiful, long hair would have been deliberately displayed.
- Della would have let her hair hang out the window to dry, a simple act intended to "depreciate Her Majesty's jewels and gifts" by comparison.
This literary device underscores how immensely valuable and magnificent Della's hair was perceived to be, so much so that it could conceptually diminish the splendor of even a legendary figure's vast treasures.
Significance of the Hypothetical
The inclusion of the Queen of Sheba in this context serves several key purposes:
- Highlighting Value: It emphasizes the extraordinary beauty and preciousness of Della's hair, portraying it as something far more valuable than even historical riches.
- Character Insight: It subtly reveals Della's pride in her hair, which later becomes central to her sacrifice.
- Literary Device: It uses hyperbole and an anachronistic comparison to create vivid imagery and emotional depth in the narrative.
This hypothetical scenario, therefore, is not a statement of fact but a literary flourish designed to convey the profound significance of Della's most prized possession.
