Student Question
What is the connection between "The Gift of the Magi" and Nikki Giovanni's "Luxury"?
Quick answer:
The connection between "The Gift of the Magi" and Nikki Giovanni's "Luxury" lies in their shared message that love is the ultimate and most priceless gift. In "The Gift of the Magi," the characters sacrifice their most valuable possessions out of love, demonstrating that their love is the true gift. Similarly, "Luxury" concludes with the idea that true luxury is not material wealth but the love shared between individuals.
"The Gift of the Magi" is a story about how 2 people love each other so much that they are willing to give up something very precious to them to see the other happy. They think that buying each other something will be the ultimate gift, whereas it was truly the token of their love that was the true gift. In "Luxury", the author goes on about how luxury to some is owning a lot of things, and being in fancy places. To her though, luxury is summed up in the last lines: "you held me/one evening and now I know/the ultimate luxury/of your love".
The connection between the two pieces is the message that love is the ultimate-and most priceless-gift that you can give.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.