The Gift of the Magi

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The Gift of the Magi (Cyclopedia of Literary Characters)

Characters Discussed

Della, or Mrs. James Dillingham Young, a young housewife in New York City. Deeply in love with her husband, Della is distraught that Christmas Day is imminent and she has but a pittance to spend for a gift for him. Her husband’s salary of $20 a week leaves little after living expenses are paid. Although her love for her husband is enough to sustain her even in this abject poverty, not being able to honor her husband with a worthy Christmas gift is simply too much to bear. She is overcome with tears of helplessness, but they pass as inspiration moves her...

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• The Gift of the Magi (Cyclopedia of Literary Characters)
• The Gift of the Magi (Masterplots II: Short Story Series, Revised Edition)
• The Gift of the Magi (Magill Book Reviews)
• The Gift of the Magi (Masterplots, Revised Second Edition)
• The Gift of the Magi (Cyclopedia of Literary Places)
• The Gift of the Magi (Magill’s Survey of American Literature, Revised Edition)

See Also:

• O. Henry (Cyclopedia of World Authors)
• O. Henry (Short Fiction)
• O. Henry (Mystery and Detective Fiction)
• O. Henry (Dictionary of World Biography)
• Theory of Short Fiction (Topical Overview--Short Fiction)

See Also:

• - Read the The Gift of the Magi text online.
• - The Gift of the Magi summary and study guide in the eNotes.