Jessa Mae Dejarlo PeTa#3 Literary critique

10-Faraday March 12, 2024

The Gift of the Magi

In a world of sacrifice and love, there are two hearts willing to give everything even amid of
poverty. The story of "The Gift of the Magi" is not only about gifts, but also about the value of true love.
Originally featured in the New York World 1905, and later in the 1960 collection Four Million (which was
named after the population of NYC and the number of stones O. Henry believed existed in his city), the
2,163-word masterpiece has become a holiday classic, alongside other beloved Christmas stories like a
Christmas carol, it’s a wonderful life, and “fairy tail of New York”. Moreover, Della and Jim demonstrate,
from a moralistic lens, that true joy comes from showing love and generosity, rather than seeking riches.
"The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry evokes a range of responses from readers through the Reader
Response lens. Some may resonate with Della and Jim's sacrificial love, while others may feel admiration
for their selflessness and dedication despite financial struggles.

Della is determined to buy Jim a special Christmas gift, but she has only a small amount of
money. Despite this, she sells her long hair to buy him a chain for his watch. Meanwhile, Jim decides to
sell his watch to buy Della a set of combs for her hair. On Christmas morning, Della and Jim exchange
their gifts, only to realize that they have both sacrificed their most prized possessions for each other’s
gifts. The climax occurs when Della and Jim discover the irony of their situation. They are shocked and
dismayed by their actions but soon come to understand the depth of their love and sacrifice for each
other. Despite the initial shock, Della and Jim embrace each other, realizing that their love is more
valuable than any material possession. In the end, Della and Jim’s love remains unshaken, and they find
joy and contentment in their selfless acts. The warmth and understanding, underscoring the true spirit of
Christmas and the power of love.

Della sells her long, beautiful hair to purchase a chain for Jim’s prized pocket watch, while Jim
sells his watch to buy combs for Della’s hair. These acts of sacrifice symbolize the depth of their love and
their willingness to give up their most cherished possessions for each other. It's evoke a sense of warmth
and sentimentality throughout the story. Descriptions of Della’s hair as “rippling and shining like a
cascade of brown waters” and Jim’s watch as “the envy of many a king” add richness to the narrative and
emphasize the significance of the gifts exchanged. The tone of the story is tender and nostalgic, as O.
Henry reflects on the selflessness and generosity of the characters. Despite their limited resources, Jim
and Della approach their gift-giving with a sense of joy and anticipation, embodying the spirit of
Christmas. It revolves around the true value of love and sacrifice, through the selfless actions of Jim and
Della, O. Henry emphasizes that material possessions are secondary to the bonds of affection and the
willingness to give of oneself for the happiness of another legislation and work towards creating a
society where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their sexual orientation
or gender identity.

“The Gift of the Magi” examines about love, sacrifice and the true meaning of wealth. This
analysis explores how Della and Jim's sacrifices for each other demonstrate altruism and unconditional
love that transcends material possessions. The essay could go deeper into the moral implications of their
actions, emphasizing the virtues of generosity, compassion, and empathy. Through analyzing the moral
choices of the characters, the essay highlights the importance of prioritizing human relationships over
material possessions, conveying timeless lessons about nature of true happiness and fulfillment.

Another aspect of “The Gift of the Magi,” examining the binary oppositions and symbolic
patterns. This critical review delves deeper into the story's been made, analyzing Jim and Della's
sacrifices side by side as well as the resolution of their paradoxical situation. The essay could explore
how O. Henry uses irony and foreshadowing to create tension in the story and enhance the story's
thematic depth. Through analyzing the structural elements of the story, it emphasizes the
interdependence of different components and their contribution to the overall meaning of the story.

The social and cultural context in which “The Gift of the Magi” was written. This analysis
explores how the story reflects the economic hardships and social norms of early 20th-century America,
where material wealth and consumerism were prioritized. The essay might consider how the sacrifices of
Jim and Della resonate with the struggles of working-class individuals during this period, highlighting
broader issues of economic inequality and social expectations. The essay provides insight into the
cultural significance of the story and its relevance to contemporary readers.

In "The Gift of the Magi” examines about love, sacrifice, and the true meaning of wealth. This
analysis explores how Della and Jim’s sacrifices for each other exemplify selflessness and warn against
matyrialism, suggesting that real happiness lies in acts of love and generosity rather than the pursuit of
material wealth. The essay may delve into the moral implications of their actions, highlighting the virtues
of generosity, compassion, and empathy.

REFERENCE;

O.,H.(2019). THE GIFT OF THE MAGI. SPARKNOTES.

https://www.sparknotes.com/short.stories/the-gift-of-the-magi/summary/