The gift of the magi

Definition

The gift of the magi is a short story by O. Henry that illustrates the themes of selflessness, love, and sacrifice through the actions of a young couple, Jim and Della, who each give up their most prized possessions to buy gifts for each other. This poignant tale explores how true generosity often comes at a personal cost, connecting deeply with ideas about perspective and character motivations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The story is set during the Christmas season, highlighting themes of love and sacrifice during a time traditionally associated with giving.
2. Della sells her long, beautiful hair to buy a platinum chain for Jim's prized possession, his watch.
3. Jim sells his watch to buy Della a set of combs for her hair, which makes their sacrifices ironic since both gifts become useless after their trades.
4. The title 'the gift of the magi' refers to the biblical Magi, who brought gifts to Jesus, symbolizing the idea that true giving comes from the heart.
5. The narrative uses a third-person omniscient point of view, allowing readers to understand both characters' thoughts and emotions, enhancing the impact of their sacrifices.

Review Questions

• How does O. Henry use irony in 'the gift of the magi' to enhance the story's message about love and sacrifice?
  • O. Henry employs irony in 'the gift of the magi' by showcasing how Jim and Della's sacrifices for one another lead to unexpected outcomes. Each character sells their most treasured possession to buy a meaningful gift for the other, yet these gifts ultimately become useless due to their trades. This twist emphasizes that true love involves selflessness and that the value of gifts lies not in their material worth but in the intention behind them.
• Discuss how characterization in 'the gift of the magi' contributes to the overall theme of selfless love.
  • The characterization of Jim and Della in 'the gift of the magi' is essential to conveying the theme of selfless love. Both characters are portrayed as deeply committed to one another, willing to sacrifice their most valued possessions for the other's happiness. Through their actions and thoughts, readers see their genuine affection and desire to bring joy, making their eventual irony even more poignant. This depth in characterization reinforces the idea that true love often requires personal sacrifice.
• Analyze how point of view in 'the gift of the magi' affects readers' understanding of Jim and Della's emotional journey.
  • The use of third-person omniscient point of view in 'the gift of the magi' allows readers to access Jim and Della's internal thoughts and feelings, creating a deeper emotional connection to their struggles and sacrifices. By presenting both perspectives, O. Henry highlights their mutual devotion and contrasts their financial hardships with their rich love for one another. This narrative choice enriches the story by emphasizing how love can drive individuals to make profound sacrifices, ultimately enhancing the impact of its themes on readers.

Related terms

Irony: A literary device where the intended meaning is opposite to the actual meaning, often creating a surprising or humorous outcome.

Characterization: The process by which an author reveals the personality and traits of a character in a story.

Theme: The central idea or underlying message in a literary work, often reflecting on human experiences and societal values.