An Act of Love and Sacrifice

Of all who give gift, these two were the most wise

Whats the meaning of a gift? It could mean anything: Family, friends, a jewel, a party, a
deep conversation or a simple smile. But all these gifts have something in common: They
imply love and care. Because a gift is not only a thing you give in order to be praised or to
receive something in return. A gift means an act of love and sacrifice, and Della and Jim
really know what this means.

The Gift of the Magi written by O. Henry, tells the story of a really poor couple who
sacrifices his most treasured possessions (Dellas hair and Jims watch) with the modest
aim of giving each other a Christmas present. Something nearly good enough. Something
almost worth the honor of belonging to Jim.

Furnished rooms at a cost of $8 a week A letter-box too small to hold a letter An

electric bell that could not make a sound and a very narrow mirror. This is the way how the
author shows us the real poverty in which the couple lives. In a very realistic way, O. Henry
presents us the first component of a gift: Sacrifice. This means not only to give, but also to
give up something. It implies selfless love and the capacity of finding satisfaction in the
others happiness. It implies to say that each sold the most valuable thing he owned in
order to buy a gift for the other even if that could mean a lack of wisdom. Even Della and
Jim were really poor; they sacrificed valuable things in order to thank the others love and
company.

What is love? Along those lines, a gift also means unselfish loyal and concern for the good
of another. Besides, love implies attachment, devotion, and admiration. This is the second
component of a gift: Love. People can think that love never means wisdom, but the act of
sacrificing something just because of admiration or attachment, never does. Unless you saw
the real gift Jim and Della gave for Christmas.

There were not only a watch chain and combs; the gift consisted in a sample of self-
sacrificial love. A foolish impulsiveness rooted in a deeper wisdom: sacrificial giving.

Chelsea Castellar Barros.