illustration of two people, a woman and a man, looking at one another in profile with an ornate hair comb between them

The Gift of the Magi

by O. Henry

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The Gift of the Magi Questions on Della Sells Her Hair

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The Gift of the Magi

Della's hair in "The Gift of the Magi" symbolizes her love and selflessness. By cutting and selling her long, beautiful hair to buy a gift for her husband, Jim, she demonstrates the depth of her...

5 educator answers

The Gift of the Magi

In O. Henry's "The Gift of the Magi," Della and Jim, a financially struggling couple, each sacrifice their most treasured possession to buy a Christmas gift for the other, highlighting their deep...

9 educator answers

The Gift of the Magi

In O. Henry's "The Gift of the Magi," Jim and Della, a financially struggling couple, each sacrifice their most prized possessions to buy gifts for each other. Della sells her long hair to purchase a...

10 educator answers

The Gift of the Magi

Della earns $20 from selling her long brown hair, which was a significant amount in the early 20th century. With this money, plus the $1.87 she had saved, she buys a platinum chain for her husband...

1 educator answer

The Gift of the Magi

In "The Gift of the Magi," fate plays a significant role in disrupting the characters' cherished plans. Despite Della and Jim's selfless intentions to buy each other meaningful gifts, fate intervenes...

4 educator answers

The Gift of the Magi

Della acquires the money for Jim's watch chain by selling her prized possession, her beautiful hair, to a wig maker for $20. This act of sacrifice allows her to buy an expensive platinum fob chain...

1 educator answer