Themes: Generosity
“The Gift of the Magi” is a Christmas story, and it functions as a parable about both the nature of love and the true meaning of generosity. Della’s earnest desire to buy a meaningful Christmas gift for Jim drives the plot of the story, and Jim’s reciprocity of that sentiment is shown when he presents Della with the tortoise-shell combs. Both Jim and Della give selflessly, without expectation of reciprocity. Their sole motivation is to make the other person happy. This, combined with the personal meaning imbued in each of the gifts, conveys the story’s moral that true generosity is both selfless and thoughtful.
Della scours every store in town for two hours before finding the perfect gift for Jim. She notes the similarities between the simple yet valuable watch chain and her understated but loving husband. The watch chain is not merely a shiny trinket; instead, it represents Della’s regard for Jim, and the inherent value she sees in him. Similarly, the combs are not merely an extravagant bauble meant to impress Della; instead, they represent Jim’s commitment to Della and to their relationship. He willingly sells his most valuable possession, handed down from his father, in order to buy Della the combs, suggesting that for Jim, Della and their future family are the most important things in his life.
The combs and watch chain can also be read as promises for the future: though the couple currently lives in difficult financial circumstances, both the combs and the watch chain are symbols of Della and Jim’s optimism that their circumstances will change. Ultimately, the spirit of giving has less to do with the material gifts themselves and more to do with the sentiment behind them. Della and Jim’s generosity towards each other is embodied by their choices of gifts, which speak to the depths of their appreciation and love for each other. The narrator ends the story by stating that so long as people love truly and give generously, then they will have given wisely.
Expert Q&A
Why does the narrator refer to Jim and Della as the "wisest" gift givers at the end of the story?
The narrator refers to Jim and Della as the "wisest" gift givers because their gifts demonstrate deep love and sacrifice. Despite their poverty, each sacrifices their most prized possession to buy a gift for the other, showing selfless love. Although the gifts are rendered useless by their actions, their intentions and the love they express make them wise in a deeper sense.
Why does Della buy the fob chain for Jim in "The Gift of the Magi"?
Della buys the fob chain for Jim as a Christmas gift because it complements his prized possession, a gold watch inherited from his father and grandfather. During that era, watches often required chains to prevent damage from being dropped. Jim's watch was attached with an old leather strap, so Della sacrifices her hair for $20 to buy a $21 fob chain, symbolizing her love and devotion by spending all her savings plus the haircut proceeds.
Why did Della sell her hair in The Gift of the Magi?
Della sells her hair to buy a Christmas gift for her husband, Jim, because she only has $1.87 and needs more money. Her hair, her most valued possession, is sold for $20, allowing her to purchase a watch chain for Jim's prized watch. Ironically, Jim sells his watch to buy combs for Della's hair. This twist highlights their mutual sacrifice and love, making them, as O. Henry suggests, the wisest gift-givers, akin to the Magi.
Why are the two children in the story considered the wisest of all gift givers?
"And here I have lamely related to you the uneventful chronicle of two foolish children in a flat who most unwisely sacrificed for each other the greatest treasures of their house."
The two children, Jim and Della, are considered the wisest gift givers because they sacrificed their most prized possessions out of love for each other, reminiscent of the Biblical Magi. Della sold her hair to buy a watch chain for Jim, while Jim sold his watch to buy combs for Della's hair. Despite the gifts being rendered useless, their mutual love and willingness to sacrifice made them truly wise, as noted by O. Henry.
How does Jim and Della's gift exchange affect the story?
The gift exchange between Jim and Della creates an oxymoronic "happy sadness" by highlighting the depth of their love and sacrifice. Both sell their most prized possessions to buy gifts for each other, rendering the gifts useless but demonstrating their willingness to sacrifice for love. This poignant irony evokes mixed emotions, showcasing the beauty and depth of their affection despite the material futility, similar to the bittersweet emotions experienced at weddings.
Is it wise to sacrifice a treasured possession for a loved one's gift? Why?
While sacrificing a treasured possession for a loved one's gift can demonstrate deep love and devotion, it is often considered unwise due to the potential for regret and irony, as illustrated in "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry. Instead, thoughtful gift-giving that doesn't require significant personal sacrifice might be more prudent. Love and meaningful relationships aren't defined by material gifts, and partners can express affection through everyday actions and understanding.
Do you agree with the statement "Sacrifice is giving up something better," using "The Gift of the Magi" as reference?
Jim and Della's Sacrifices and Love in "The Gift of the Magi"
In "The Gift of the Magi," Jim and Della's acts of love and sacrifice highlight the depth of their devotion. Despite their financial struggles, Della sells her cherished long hair to buy Jim a chain for his watch, while Jim sells his watch to buy combs for Della's hair. This situational irony underscores their selfless love, paralleling the Magi's biblical gift-giving. Their humble apartment further emphasizes their poverty and the significance of their sacrifices, making their love and generosity all the more poignant.
What "gift" might O. Henry's title suggest and how does it hint at the story's theme?
O. Henry's title "The Gift of the Magi" suggests the gift of sacrificial love between Jim and Della. Each sacrifices their most prized possession—Della her hair and Jim his watch—to buy gifts for the other, rendering the physical gifts useless but highlighting their deep love. The title alludes to the Magi's gifts to Jesus, emphasizing that true value lies in the intention and sacrifice behind a gift, not its monetary worth.
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