Classic American Short Stories Group

Question:

maezel
maezel
Student
College - Junior

In "The Gift of the Magi," what is the moral lesson of the story?

 

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Posted by maezel on Thursday February 12, 2009 at 3:16 AM and tagged with classic american short stories, lesson, moral, the gift of the magi, theme.

Answers:

  1. mshurn
    mshurn Teacher
    College - Freshman

    eNotes Editor

    The lesson of the story concerns the true meaning of love and its value. In the story, Jim and Delia are a young married couple who are, by all appearances, very poor. When Christmas comes, both give up something that is meaningful in order to bring joy to the other. Because they do this out of love, what each one really gives the other is the greatest gift, the gift of love. In possessing the one thing that matters most, Jim and Delia are very rich indeed.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/gift-magi
    http://www.enotes.com/gift-magi/themes

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    Posted by mshurn on Thursday February 12, 2009 at 3:26 AM