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    The Gift of Magi

    Uploaded by

    Zenith Roy

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    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd

    The Gift of Magi

    Uploaded by

    Zenith Roy
    7 views1 page

    Original Title

    The Gift Of Magi(7)

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    7 views1 page

    The Gift of Magi

    Uploaded by

    Zenith Roy

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
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    The Gift of Magi

    Stylistic Analysis

    Introduction
    “The Gift of Magi” is a short story written by an American short story writer, William Sydney Porter. He has
    written his literary works under the pen name of O’ Henry. This story was first published in 1905. It is a
    sentimental tale of a financially upset couple. Both of them sold out their prized possessions in order to buy
    presents for each other for Christmas. In the end, their gifts become useless. This story is written in the 19th
    century highlighting the economic disturbance of those times. It also throws light on the prevailing materialism in
    society. One can also find it a commentary on the sufferings and struggles of the middle class trying to overcome
    the upset financial situation.

    Summary
    The story concerns James and Della Dillingham Young, a young couple who, despite their poverty, individually
    resolve to give each other an elegant gift on Christmas Eve. Della sells her beautiful long hair in order to buy a
    platinum fob chain for Jim’s antique gold watch. Meanwhile, Jim pawns his treasured watch to purchase jewelled
    tortoiseshell combs for Della’s precious tresses.

    Characters
    Della Dillingham
    She is the caring, beautiful, and loving wife of Jim Dillingham. She calls him Jim shortly and with love. Moreover,
    she has only prized possession that is her beautiful hair with the length from head to knees. Readers may explore
    most of the story through her perspective. Similarly, she is described as an affectionate and selfless character.
    From the start of the story, she seems worried about how to purchase a gift of Christmas for her husband. She
    tried her best to save even a single penny. But in the end, money is not enough to buy any gift for Jim. So, she
    thought it best to cut her hair in order to buy him a fob chain. This shows her deep love for Jim and her selfless
    nature.

    James Dillingham
    James Young Dillingham called by Della as Jim is a gentleman of age 22 but has a burden of responsibilities of
    running home and family. Nevertheless the heavy burden, he seems content, quiet, and good-natured. Just like
    his wife he has only prized possession of a gold watch passed down from generations. Similar in manner to his
    wife, he sold his prized possession and bought a gift of tortoise comb for Della. This describes his love and cares
    towards Della.

    Madame Sofronie
    She is the owner of the hair shop to which Della sells her hair. She is described as a brusque and cold lady.
    Moreover, she so much to the point that she didn’t waste time in evaluating and paid twenty dollars for the hairs
    of Della.

    The title
    The title of this story can be elaborated with two perspectives. First, the title is a biblical allusion of three wise
    men or kings who brought gold, frankincense, and myrrh for Christ on his birth in Bethlehem. Second, O’ Henry
    develops this idea of precious gifts and love via Della and Jim’s character. Della and Jim have sacrificed their most
    prized possessions for one another so they are relatable with aforementioned wise men.

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