Mobin Jolfa

Oral Reproduction
10, 3, 1402

The Gift of the Magi

Author
What is O. Henry famous for?
American writer O. Henry is famous for his short stories. His tales romanticized the
commonplace—in particular, the life of ordinary people in New York City. His stories often had
surprise endings, a device that became identified with his name and cost him critical favor when
its vogue had passed.

Where was O. Henry from?

What was O. Henry’s real name?

What were O. Henry’s jobs?

Story Title:
The title of the story is significant and carries multiple symbolic meanings. Here are some
possible interpretations:
 1. Biblical reference: The title “The Gift of the Magi” refers to the Biblical story of the
Magi, also known as the Three Wise Men, who brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and
myrrh to the baby Jesus. The story’s title alludes to the idea of gift-giving as a noble and
selfless act, and positions the characters Jim and Della as modern-day magi who give
sacrificially to each other.

2. Irony: The title of the story is also ironic because the gifts that Jim and Della give to each
other are rendered useless by their sacrifices. They both give up their most prized
possessions – Della her long, beautiful hair and Jim his grandfather’s watch – in order to
afford gifts for each other. However, Della’s gift of a chain for Jim’s watch is useless
without the watch, which Jim has sold to buy combs for Della’s hair. The title serves to
emphasize the irony of the situation.

3. Love as a gift: The title of the story can also be interpreted as referring to the idea that
love itself is a gift. Jim and Della’s love for each other is the true gift that they give to
one another, and their sacrifices are symbolic of the depth of their love and devotion. The
title highlights the idea that the gift of love is more valuable than any material
possessions that they could give to each other.

4. Symbolic meaning of the magi: The title “The Gift of the Magi” can also be interpreted
as a reference to the symbolic significance of the magi. The magi are associated with
wisdom, knowledge, and spirituality. In the story, Jim and Della’s sacrifices are an
expression of their deep understanding of the value of their love and the importance of
selflessness in a relationship. The title positions them as wise and enlightened individuals
who embody the qualities of the magi.

The beginning
The beginning is a masterful example of how to engage the reader’s attention and establish the
setting and tone of a story. There are some key elements introduced in the beginning such as:

1. Setting: The story opens by setting the scene on a cold winter evening in a shabby
apartment in New York City. O. Henry describes the apartment as “furnished in a style
that was as pronounced as it was poor.” This establishes the setting as one of poverty and
hardship, which is a recurring theme throughout the story.
 2. Characterization: The two main characters, Jim and Della, are introduced through their
physical appearance and actions. O. Henry describes Della as having “rippling and
shining like a cascade of brown waters” and Jim as having a “serious, unsmiling face.”
These descriptions provide the reader with an initial impression of the characters and set
the stage for their personalities to unfold throughout the story.

3. Conflict: The conflict is introduced early on in the story when O. Henry writes that “One
dollar and eighty-seven cents. That was all.” This creates a sense of tension and urgency,
as the reader is left wondering what this amount of money is for and why it is so
important.

4. Foreshadowing: The ending of the story is foreshadowed in the beginning when O. Henry
writes, “And then she did it up again nervously and quickly. Once she faltered for a
minute and stood still while a tear or two splashed on the worn red carpet.” This
foreshadows the fact that Della's sacrifice will involve cutting off her hair, which is a
source of great emotional attachment for her.

5. Irony: The beginning of the story also establishes the situational irony that will be a
recurring theme throughout the story. O. Henry writes, “Jim was never late. Della
doubled the fob chain in her hand and sat on the corner of the table near the door that he
always entered.” This establishes the expectation that Jim will arrive home at his usual
time, but the reader knows that he has sold his watch to buy a gift for Della, which will
create a surprise twist later in the story.

The ending
The ending is a poignant and memorable conclusion to the story. Here are some notable points
about the ending:

1. Surprise twist: The ending of the story contains a surprise twist that reveals the true
meaning of Jim and Della’s sacrifices. Jim and Della have each given up their most
prized possessions to buy gifts for each other, but their gifts are now rendered useless.
Della’s gift of a chain for Jim’s watch is useless without the watch, which Jim has sold to
buy combs for Della’s hair. The surprise twist is a Powerful and memorable ending that
leaves the reader with a sense of irony and sadness.

2. Symbolic meaning: The ending of the story also has a symbolic meaning that reinforces
the themes of the story. Jim and Della’s sacrifices are a symbol of their deep love and
 devotion to each other. The fact that they have each given up their most prized
possessions to buy gifts for each other emphasizes the idea that true love is selfless and
sacrificial. The ending also suggests that the true value of a gift lies not in its material
worth, but in the love and meaning behind it.

3. Emotional impact: The ending of the story is emotionally impactful and leaves a lasting
impression on the reader. The sacrifice and love demonstrated by Jim and Della are
powerful themes that resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds. The ending is a
reminder that love is the most valuable gift of all, and that true happiness can be found in
selfless acts of kindness.

4. Literary technique: The ending of the story is an example of O. Henry’s use of the “twist
ending” literary technique. This technique involves surprising the reader with an
unexpected plot twist at the end of the story. The twist ending is a hallmark of O. Henry’s
writing and is used to create a sense of irony and surprise that leaves a lasting impression
on the reader.

Genre
The genre of the story is literary fiction. O. Henry focuses on the emotional and psychological
development of the two main characters, Jim and Della, as they struggle to find meaningful gifts
for each other with limited resources.

The story is not plot-driven, but rather focuses on the characters’ motivations, thoughts, and
feelings. O. Henry uses literary techniques such as irony, symbolism, and foreshadowing to add
depth and complexity to the story. For example, the irony of Jim and Della’s sacrifices, the
symbolic meaning of their gifts, and the foreshadowing of Della’s sacrifice through her tears at
the beginning of the story all contribute to the story’s literary quality.

Furthermore, the story is a work of realism, which seeks to represent reality as it is, without
idealizing or romanticizing it. The story’s setting in a shabby apartment in New York City and its
portrayal of the struggles of a young couple living in poverty are realistic and true to life.

Mood
The mood is complex and multi-layered, and it changes throughout the story. At the beginning of
the story, the mood is somewhat melancholic, as the reader is introduced to Della and Jim, a
young couple who are struggling to make ends meet. Their poverty is emphasized by the
description of their shabby apartment and their threadbare clothing. The mood becomes more
emotional when Della decides to sell her beautiful long hair to buy a chain for Jim’s watch,
which is his most prized possession. And the sacrifice that Della makes for Jim is touching and
poignant.

As the story progresses, the mood becomes more hopeful and optimistic, as Jim returns home
and presents Della with the combs she has been eyeing in the shop window. The fact that Jim has
also made a great sacrifice for Della by selling his watch to buy the combs demonstrates the
depth of their love for each other. The mood is elevated by the realization that their love is
stronger than their material possessions.

However, the mood shifts once again when the irony of the situation is revealed. Della and Jim’s
gifts to each other are now useless, as Della has cut her hair and Jim has sold his watch. The
mood becomes somewhat tragic as the reader realizes that their sacrifices were in vain. The story
concludes with a tone of resignation and acceptance, as Della and Jim embrace each other. The
mood is bittersweet, as the reader is left with a sense of both sadness and warmth. On the one
hand, the story is a tribute to the power of love and sacrifice, but on the other hand, it is a
poignant reminder of the brief nature of material possessions.

Tone
The tone is mostly sentimental and nostalgic, with a touch of irony. The story is told with a warm
and affectionate tone, as the narrator portrays the deep love and sacrifice between Della and Jim.
The tone is sympathetic to the struggles of the young couple, who are trying to make ends meet
and yet are determined to express their love for each other through gift-giving.

At times, the tone is also ironic, as the reader realizes that Della and Jim’s gifts to each other
have rendered their prized possessions useless. However, the irony is not mocking or cynical, but
rather serves to emphasize the power of love and the ultimate insignificance of material
possessions.

Throughout the story, the tone is also characterized by a sense of wonder and admiration for the
depth of Della and Jim’s love for each other. The narrator describes their sacrifices with a sense
of awe, as though he/she is witnessing something truly extraordinary.

Diction
The diction is simple and direct, with a focus on conveying the emotions and actions of the
characters. The language used is accessible and easy to understand, which adds to the overall
accessibility of the story.
The diction also has a nostalgic quality, as the story is set in the past and the language used
reflects the speech patterns and vocabulary of the time. For example, the use of phrases like “two
dollars and sixty-seven cents” and “splendid vanished garments” evoke a sense of the early
1900s.

The narrator's diction is sympathetic to the struggles of the characters, emphasizing their poverty
and the sacrifices they make for each other. For example, when describing Della’s hair, the
narrator uses language such as “rippling and shining like a cascade of brown waters” to
emphasize its beauty and value.

The diction also serves to create a sense of irony in the story, particularly when describing the
gifts that Della and Jim give to each other. For example, the narrator describes Jim’s “gold watch
chain” with a sense of reverence, only to reveal later that he has sold it to buy combs for Della’s
hair, which she has cut off to buy the chain.

Setting
The story is set in New York City in the early 1900s. It takes place during the Christmas season,
which is reflected in the descriptions of the city and the characters' actions.

The setting is primarily focused on the small apartment where Della and Jim live. The narrator
describes the apartment as “a furnished flat at $8 per week,” emphasizing the couple's poverty
and the smallness of their living space. The apartment Is described as having “one window and a
narrow hallway from which a door opened into the living-room,” which creates a sense of
claustrophobia and confinement.

The narrator also describes the city streets and shops, which are bustling with activity during the
Christmas season. The shops are described as “crowded with the finest goods,” which contrasts
with Della and Jim’s poverty and inability to afford such luxuries.

The setting of the story is significant because it emphasizes the contrast between the opulence of
the Christmas season and the poverty of the main characters. It also creates a sense of nostalgia
for a simpler time, when Christmas was celebrated without the commercialization and
consumerism that characterize the holiday today.

Plot
Exposition: Della and Jim Young are a young couple living in a small apartment. They are poor
but deeply in love. It is Christmas Eve, and they are both struggling to find the money to buy
each other a special Christmas gift.

Rising Action: Della decides to sell her most prized possession, her long hair, in order to buy Jim
a chain for his watch. Jim, meanwhile, decides to sell his own most prized possession, his watch,
in order to buy Della a set of combs for her hair.

Climax: On Christmas Eve, Della and Jim exchange their gifts, only to realize that their
sacrifices have made their gifts useless. Della has cut off her hair to buy a chain for Jim's watch,
which he has sold to buy combs for Della's hair.

Falling Action: Della and Jim are initially devastated by the irony of their situation and their
useless gifts. However, they quickly realize that the true value of their gifts lies in the love and
sacrifice behind them.

Resolution: Della and Jim embrace and declare their love for each other, grateful for the true
meaning of Christmas and the depth of their love.

POV:
The point of view in the story is third-person limited. The narrator is not a character in the story
and refers to the characters as “she” and “he,” but the reader only has access to the thoughts and
emotions of one character at a time. The POV shifts between Della and Jim throughout the story,
allowing the reader to understand their motivations and feelings.

The limited third-person POV creates a sense of intimacy with the characters, as the reader is
able to empathize with their struggles and understand their sacrifices. The reader is also able to
see the irony of the situation from both Della and Jim’s perspectives, which emphasizes the
power of their love and sacrifice.

Characters:
Della: Della is a young woman who lives with her husband Jim in a small apartment. She is
described as having beautiful long hair, which she sells in order to buy a chain for Jim’s watch.
Della is a selfless character who is willing to give up her most prized possession for the sake of
her husband’s happiness. Her sacrifice is a testament to the depth of her love for Jim. Della is
also a resourceful character who is able to find a way to make the most of her limited resources.
She is a sympathetic character who represents the struggles of the working poor.

Jim: Jim is Della’s husband, and he is described as being a kind and loving man. He is deeply
attached to his gold watch, which he sells in order to buy combs for Della’s hair. Jim’s sacrifice
is also a testament to the depth of his love for Della. He is a hardworking man who is devoted to
his wife, and he is willing to make great sacrifices for her sake. Jim is a sympathetic character
who represents the struggle of men to provide for their families.

Together, Della and Jim represent the power of love and sacrifice. They are both willing to give
up their most prized possessions for the sake of each other, demonstrating the selflessness and
devotion that are essential to a successful marriage. Their sacrifices also highlight the challenges
that come with living in poverty, and the importance of resourcefulness and creativity in making
the most of limited resources.

Madame Sofronie: She is "large," "white," and "chilly" (12). Her manner is direct and to-the-
point: she doesn't give off any signs of being impressed by Della's gorgeous hair, and casually
offers to buy it for $20. Madame Sofronie's attitude creates a sharp contrast to that of Della and
Jim. For both of them, Della's hair is a prized possession – her only prized possession – and
Della's sale of it amounts to an enormous sacrifice. None of this matters to Madame Sofronie, for
whom it's just another business transaction, which will perhaps fetch a bit more profit. You could
say she represents "the cold, uncaring world" which exists outside the haven of love Della and
Jim have built for themselves. She also represents a very different way of valuing things – purely
for the money they fetch.

Conflicts
The types of conflicts in the story are as follows:

1. Man vs. Society: Della and Jim are struggling to make ends meet in a society that values
material possessions and wealth. They are poor and unable to afford the luxuries that
others take for granted. This creates a conflict between the characters and society, as they
try to find a way to express their love for each other despite their limited resources.

2. Man vs. Self: Della and Jim each face an internal conflict as they struggle with the
decision to sell their most prized possessions in order to buy gifts for each other. They
must decide whether the sacrifice is worth it and whether the gifts will truly express their
love for each other.
 3. Man vs. Man: While there is no direct conflict between Della and Jim, their gifts to each
other reflect different values and priorities. Della values Jim’s watch and wants to buy
him a meaningful gift, while Jim values Della’s beauty and wants to buy her something
that will enhance it. This creates a conflict between their different values and priorities,
which they must reconcile in order to appreciate each other’s gifts.

Symbols
The story features several symbols that add depth and meaning to it. Here are a few examples:

1. Hair: Della’s hair is a symbol of her beauty and femininity. When she sells her hair to
buy a chain for Jim’s watch, she is sacrificing one of her most prized possessions for the
sake of her husband’s happiness. Her sacrifice represents the depth of her love for Jim
and the willingness to give up something valuable for the sake of love.

2. Gold watch: Jim’s gold watch is a symbol of his masculinity and status. When he sells his
watch to buy combs for Della’s hair, he is sacrificing his most prized possession for the
sake of his wife’s happiness. His sacrifice represents the depth of his love for Della and
the willingness to give up something valuable for the sake of love.

3. Combs: The combs that Jim buys for Della’s hair are a symbol of his desire to enhance
her beauty. They represent his appreciation for her femininity and his desire to make her
feel special. The combs also represent the importance of small gestures in expressing love
and affection.

4. Magi: The title of the story, “The Gift of the Magi,” refers to the wise men who brought
gifts to the baby Jesus. The magi represent the importance of gift-giving during the
Christmas season and the idea that the true meaning of Christmas is found in the act of
giving rather than receiving. The title also suggests that Della and Jim’s gifts to each
other are valuable not because of their material worth but because of the love and
sacrifice behind them.

Themes
There are several themes including:
 1. Love and sacrifice: The story emphasizes the power of love and sacrifice, as Della and
Jim each give up their most prized possessions for the sake of each other’s happiness.
Their sacrifices demonstrate the depth of their love and the importance of selflessness in
a successful relationship.

2. Poverty and hardship: The story also highlights the challenges of living in poverty and
the resourcefulness required to make the most of limited resources. Della and Jim’s
struggles to afford meaningful gifts for each other reflect the struggles of the working
poor.

3. Irony and unexpected twists: The central conflict of the story is the irony of Della and
Jim’s gifts to each other. The unexpected twists and turns of the story create a sense of
tension and surprise, highlighting the importance of being adaptable and flexible in the
face of unexpected challenges.

4. Beauty and femininity: The story also emphasizes the importance of beauty and
femininity, as represented by Della’s long hair and the combs that Jim buys for her. The
story suggests that small gestures can have a big impact in expressing love and affection.

5. The true meaning of Christmas: Finally, the story emphasizes the true meaning of
Christmas, which is found not in material possessions but in the act of giving and the
expression of love and selflessness. The title of the story, “The Gift of the Magi,”
suggests that the true value of gifts comes not from their material worth but from the love
and sacrifice behind them.

Irony
There are three types of irony present in “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry:

1. Situational irony: The main irony in the story is situational irony, which occurs when the
outcome of a situation is different from what is expected. Della and Jim both make
sacrifices to buy each other Christmas gifts, but their gifts are rendered useless by their
sacrifices. Della sells her hair to buy a chain for Jim's watch, only to find that Jim has
sold his watch to buy combs for her hair. This unexpected twist of fate creates a sense of
irony and underscores the power of love and sacrifice.
 2. Dramatic irony: There is also an element of dramatic irony in the story, as the reader is
aware of Della and Jim’s sacrifices before they are revealed to each other. The reader is
able to appreciate the depth of their love and the irony of their situation before the
characters themselves do.

3. Verbal irony: There are also a few instances of verbal irony in the story, such as when the
narrator describes Della as “Queen of the Home” despite her living in a small, run-down
apartment. This creates a sense of irony and underscores the challenges of living in
poverty.

Imagery
The story is rich with vivid and evocative imagery that helps to create a memorable and
emotional story. Here are a few examples:

1. Hair: Della’s long hair is described in rich detail, using sensory language that helps the
reader to imagine its texture and length. The imagery of her hair creates a sense of beauty
and femininity, underscoring its value as a prized possession.

2. Gold watch: Jim’s gold watch is also described in detail, with the imagery emphasizing
its value as a symbol of masculinity and status. The watch is described as “a thing of
envy” and “a treasure…worthy of The Watch of Flaherty.”

3. The apartment: The description of Della and Jim’s apartment creates a sense of the
challenges of living in poverty. The apartment is described as “a rather shabby flat,” with
“a sofa that was always where it shouldn’t be and a table that was always in the way.”
The imagery emphasizes the smallness and limitations of their living space.

4. The combs: The combs that Jim buys for Della’s hair are described as “pure tortoise
shell, with jewelled rims.” The imagery emphasizes their delicate and beautiful nature,
highlighting the importance of small gestures in expressing love and affection.

5. The street vendors: The street vendors that Della encounters on her way to sell her hair
are described in sensory detail, with the imagery emphasizing the hustle and bustle of the
holiday season. The vendors are described as “yelling like that of the rowdyism of the
 great open spaces,” creating a sense of chaos and energy that surrounds the holiday
season.

6. The snow: The story takes place in the winter, and the imagery of the snow creates a
sense of cold and isolation. The snow is described as “whirling across the empty streets…
piling up against the high fronts of the houses,” emphasizing the challenges of living in
poverty in a cold and unforgiving environment.

Simile
“It was like a king offering his crown to a beggar” – this simile highlights the sacrifice that both
Della and Jim make in giving up their prized possessions to buy gifts for each other.

“Curls that made her look wonderfully like a truant schoolboy“ – After returning home from her
haircut, Della attempts to curl her new, short hair, which prompts the narrator to compare her to a
truant schoolboy. Likewise, Della acknowledges her resemblance to a “Coney Island chorus girl”
– These similes evoke the extremity of Della’s visual transformation after her haircut.

“It was like him. Quietness and value—the description applied to both.” – This sentence uses
simile to compare Jim’s watch and his personality, emphasizing the importance of the watch to
him.

Metaphor
“And here I have told you the story of two children who were not wise.” – This sentence uses the
metaphor of Della and Jim being “children” to emphasize their innocence and naivety in matters
of love and gift-giving.

“Now, there were two possessions of the James Dillingham Youngs in which they both took a
mighty pride” – this simile compares Della and Jim’s pride in their possessions to a powerful
force that unites them.

Allusion
References to Biblical Figures
Queen of Sheba
King Solomon
The Magi

Personification
“The dull precious metal seemed to flash with a reflection of her bright and ardent spirit.” – This
sentence personifies the metal by describing it as if it were alive and able to reflect Della’s spirit.

“The old brown clock ticked away” – the clock is personified as if it is alive and ticking away the
time.

"The hair fell in shining heaps on the floor" - the hair is personified as if it is falling on the floor
in heaps, like a pile of clothes.

Socio-psychological elements
The story contains several socio-psychological elements that explore the human condition and
the challenges of living in poverty. Here are a few examples:

1. Economic hardship: The story highlights the economic hardships faced by Della and Jim,
who are struggling to make ends meet on a meager income. The story emphasizes the
importance of resourcefulness and the challenges of living in poverty, highlighting the
difficult choices that people must make when they have limited resources.

2. Sacrifice and love: The story also explores the role of sacrifice in relationships,
emphasizing the importance of love and selflessness in building strong connections. Della
and Jim’s sacrifices for each other demonstrate the power of love and the importance of
putting the needs of others before one’s own.

3. Social class: The story touches on issues of social class and the challenges of upward
mobility. Della and Jim are working-class people who are unable to afford the luxuries of
the wealthy, emphasizing the limitations and barriers that exist in society.

4. Gender roles: The story also explores traditional gender roles and the expectations placed
on men and women in relationships. Della is expected to be beautiful and feminine, with
 her long hair serving as a symbol of her desirability. Jim is expected to be masculine and
provide for his family, with his watch serving as a symbol of his status as a man.

5. The true meaning of Christmas: Finally, the story explores the true meaning of
Christmas, emphasizing the importance of giving and the spirit of generosity. The story
suggests that the true value of gifts comes not from their material worth but from the love
and sacrifice behind them. It underscores the importance of cherishing what is truly
important in life, such as love, family, and relationships, rather than material possessions.