The Gift of the Magi Group

Question:

loverbabe95
loverbabe95
Student
High School - 9th Grade

Della compares the chain to Jim when she says,"Quietness and value..."Explain what kind of person Jim might be based on what Della states?

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Posted by loverbabe95 on Wednesday October 29, 2008 at 2:21 PM and tagged with character, the gift of the magi.

Answers:

  1. ldaigle
    ldaigle Teacher
    Middle School

    Jim's character is reflected in the chain.  The reader knows that, much like a chain anchors a watch to a person, Jim provides stability for his wife by keeping her close in his heart. 

    Through most of the story, the reader's attention is focused on Della.  O. Henry cleverly keeps Jim out of the story while Della's concerns are vocalized.  Della's worry draws a stark contrast to Jim's perceived- and quiet- strength.  At the conclusion of the story, once the ironic gifts have been revealed, Jim once again relies on his quiet demeanor to anchor his wife to him by focusing on the celebration of Christmas and their love. 

    Jim's value is also highlighted in his selfless nature.  Though times are difficult, his wife does not work.  Menial jobs of cleaning another woman's house or tending someone else's kids would not be acceptable for a gem such as Della.  He sells the watch "...that had been his father's and his grandfather's." to purchase a gift that is not functional or practical, but instead an ornament of beauty to mirror the inner beauty -and value- he sees in his wife. 

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    Posted by ldaigle on Tuesday November 4, 2008 at 12:51 PM