“The Gift of the Magi” is a short story by O. Henry, which is widely regarded as a classic piece of American literature. This story tells the tale of a young couple, Della and Jim, who are struggling to make ends meet. Despite their financial difficulties, they both want to give each other a special gift for Christmas.
The story is an allegory that explores the theme of selflessness and sacrifice. It is a heartwarming tale that highlights the power of love and the importance of giving. The story has been adapted into various forms of media, including films, plays, and operas.
In this article, we will delve deeper into the allegory of “The Gift of the Magi” and analyze the various symbols used in the story. We will also explore the historical context of the story and its relevance in today’s society. By the end of this article, readers will have a better understanding of the allegory and the significance of the story’s message.
Overview of ‘The Gift of the Magi’
“The Gift of the Magi” is a short story written by O. Henry, first published in 1905. The story is about a young couple, Della and Jim, who are struggling financially and want to buy each other Christmas gifts. The story is set in New York City during the early 1900s.
Della and Jim are deeply in love, but they are unable to afford gifts for each other due to their financial situation. Della has been saving up her money for months, but she only has $1.87. Jim has also fallen on hard times, and he has had to sell his most prized possession, a gold pocket watch, to make ends meet.
Despite their financial struggles, Della and Jim are determined to show their love and affection for each other through gifts. They both make great sacrifices to buy each other meaningful presents. Della cuts off her long hair to sell it to a wig maker, and Jim sells his watch to buy Della a set of combs for her hair.
Allegorical Elements in the Story
The Significance of the Title
The title of the story, “The Gift of the Magi,” is an allusion to the biblical story of the three wise men who brought gifts to the baby Jesus. In this story, the gifts that Jim and Della give each other represent the ultimate gift of love and sacrifice. The title also suggests that the story has a deeper meaning beyond the surface level.
The Role of the Magi
The Magi in the story represent wisdom, enlightenment, and the spirit of Christmas. They are praised for their wisdom in inventing the art of gift-giving, which is a central theme of the story. The Magi also symbolize the ultimate gift of love and sacrifice, which is the gift that Jim and Della give each other.
The Theme of Sacrifice
The theme of sacrifice is central to the allegory in “The Gift of the Magi.” Jim and Della sacrifice their most prized possessions to buy gifts for each other, which symbolizes the ultimate sacrifice of love. The story suggests that true love requires sacrifice and that material possessions are not as important as the love that two people share.
Character Analysis
Della: Love and Sacrifice
Della is a young, affectionate woman who is the main character in “The Gift of the Magi.” She is described as selfless, loving, and somewhat hysterical, requiring Jim to comfort her when she is upset. Della cares deeply for Jim and is willing to do anything to show her love for him, even if it means sacrificing her most prized possession, her long, beautiful hair. Her sacrifice is an act of true love, and it symbolizes the ultimate sacrifice that one can make for the person they love.
Jim: Pride and Love
Jim is a young, caring man who is struggling to support his wife, Della. He is the proud owner of a valuable pocket watch that has been passed down through his family. Jim’s pride in his family heirloom is a reflection of his love for his family and his respect for tradition. He is willing to sacrifice his watch to buy a gift for Della, which shows his love for her and his willingness to put her needs before his own.
Symbolism in the Story
Jim’s Watch
Jim’s gold watch is a significant symbol in the story “The Gift of the Magi.” The watch represents Jim’s connection to his family and his past. It is a treasured possession that he inherited from his father and grandfather. The watch also symbolizes time, which is a precious commodity that Jim and Della sacrifice for each other. The watch is a reminder that time is fleeting, and it should be spent with those we love.
Della’s Hair
Della’s hair is another symbol in the story. Her long hair is her most prized possession, and she is willing to sacrifice it to buy Jim a present. Della’s hair represents her femininity and beauty. It also symbolizes her sacrifice and love for Jim. When she cuts her hair, she is giving up a part of herself for the man she loves. The hair also represents the idea of transformation. Della’s sacrifice transforms her from a woman with long hair to a woman with short hair, but it also transforms her relationship with Jim.
Literary Devices Used
Irony
One of the most prominent literary devices used in “The Gift of the Magi” is irony. O. Henry uses situational irony to create a twist ending that surprises the reader. The irony is in the fact that both Della and Jim sacrifice their most prized possessions to buy gifts for each other, only to find out that their gifts are now useless. Della sells her hair to buy a chain for Jim’s watch, but Jim has already sold his watch to buy combs for Della’s hair. This irony highlights the theme of selfless love and the value of giving.
Imagery
Another literary device used in the story is imagery. O. Henry uses vivid descriptions of the characters and their surroundings to create a visual image in the reader’s mind. For example, he describes Della’s hair as “rippling and shining like a cascade of brown waters” and the watch chain as “simple and chaste in design, properly proclaiming its value by substance alone and not by meretricious ornamentation.” This imagery adds depth and richness to the story and helps the reader to connect with the characters.
Foreshadowing
Foreshadowing is also used in “The Gift of the Magi” to hint at the surprise ending. O. Henry drops subtle hints throughout the story that suggest that something unexpected is going to happen. For example, he mentions that Della’s hair grows quickly and that Jim is often late coming home from work. These hints create a sense of anticipation and keep the reader engaged in the story.
Themes and Morals
Value Beyond Materialism
The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry is a short story that teaches readers about the true value of material possessions. The story revolves around a young couple, Della and Jim, who lack a lot in the way of material possessions and external amusements. Despite this, the narrator adds that Jim always arrives home with a smile on his face, and Della is always happy to see him. This shows that their love for each other is more important than any material possession they could ever have.
Unconditional Love
Another theme that runs throughout the story is unconditional love. Della and Jim’s love for each other is so strong that they are willing to sacrifice their most prized possessions to make each other happy. This is evident when Della cuts off her long hair to buy Jim a watch chain, and Jim sells his watch to buy Della a set of combs for her hair. This act of selflessness shows that true love is not based on material possessions but rather on the willingness to sacrifice for one another.
Wisdom and Foolishness
The story also explores the concepts of wisdom and foolishness. Della and Jim’s actions could be seen as foolish by some, as they gave up their most prized possessions for gifts that were ultimately useless. However, the narrator suggests that their actions were wise, as they showed the true meaning of love and sacrifice. The comparison of Della and Jim to the magi, or wisemen, from the nativity story of Jesus, reinforces this idea of wisdom in their actions.