UNIT-I (The Gift of magi)

UNIVERSAL COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY
(Approved by AICTE, NewDelhi & Affiliated to JNTUK, Kakinada)
1- THE GIFT OF THE MAGI
About the author: O. Henry, the penname of American writer William Sydney Porter, was a
master of the short story. Born in 1862, he crafted tales with surprise twist endings and clever
wordplay. Classics like "The Gift of the Magi" showcase his wit and storytelling prowess,
making him a beloved figure in American literature.
Answer the following questions in about 50 to 60 words each (Short Answers)

1) Who were the inks, and what were the two positions that they were proud of?
A) In "The Gift of the Magi," the two young’s refer to the protagonists, Della and Jim. Della
was proud of her luxuriant hair, which she sold to buy a platinum fob chain for Jim's pocket
watch. Jim, on the other hand, cherished his pocket watch, which he sold to purchase jeweled
combs for Della's hair. Their prized possessions symbolize the depth of their love and the
sacrificial nature of their gifts.
2) What did Jim done to give a gift to his wife?
A) Jim sold his watch ,which he inherited from his father to buy expensive combs that Della had
worshipped for long in a Broadway window with pure tortoiseshell, with jeweled rims.
3) what did Della do with her hair and why?
A) Della, in O. Henry's "The Gift of the Magi," sold her long hair to buy her husband a platinum
fob chain for his pocket watch. She sacrificed her most prized possession to afford a meaningful
gift, unaware that her husband had sold his watch to buy combs for her hair. Their selfless love
and sacrifices define the story's poignant irony.
4) What was Della’s reaction on receiving the gift that Jim got for her?
A) Della, upon receiving the gift from Jim in "The Gift of the Magi," initially felt a mix of joy
and sorrow. Discovering that Jim had purchased expensive combs for her now-cut hair, she
realized the depth of their sacrifices and unconditional love. Her tears reflected both the
bittersweet nature of their selfless acts and the enduring strength of their connection.
Answer the following questions in about 200 words each (Essay Questions).
1) How do Jim's and Della's actions symbolize the strength of their love for each other? .
A )Jim and Della's actions in "The Gift of the Magi" epitomize the profound strength of their
love. Della, valuing her long hair as her most prized possession, selflessly sells it to purchase a
platinum fob chain for Jim's cherished pocket watch. Simultaneously, Jim, unaware of Della's
sacrifice, sells his watch to buy jeweled combs for her now-short hair.
Their sacrifices reveal a poignant irony – they've given up their most treasured possessions
to enhance each other's enjoyment of those very items. This shared sacrifice underscores their
deep emotional connection. Their love transcends material possessions; it's characterized by a
mutual willingness to prioritize the other's happiness over their own.
The story becomes a powerful commentary on the essence of true love and the willingness
to make personal sacrifices for the well-being of the beloved. Their actions symbolize a profound
understanding, demonstrating that their love isn't dependent on material wealth but on the
genuine desire to bring joy to one another. In their mutually sacrificial gifts, Jim and Della
exemplify a love that goes beyond the superficial, emphasizing the enduring strength of their
emotional bond and the true essence of generosity within a loving relationship.
2) Write a note on the different ways in which O .Henry tells his readers about the financial
situation of the couple.
A) O. Henry skillfully conveys the financial situation of the couple in "The Gift of the Magi"
through various narrative techniques. Firstly, he employs direct exposition, describing their
modest apartment and meager furnishings. This sets the economic context, suggesting a simple
and humble lifestyle.
Secondly, O. Henry uses dialogue to reveal financial constraints. Jim's salary of $20 per
week is mentioned, emphasizing the couple's limited income. Della's concern about not having
enough money to buy a worthy Christmas gift further underscores their financial struggles.
The author also utilizes symbolism, such as the shabby watch chain owned by Jim. This
subtle detail becomes a symbol of their economic challenges, illustrating the disparity between
their desires and their means. The act of selling these symbols—Della's hair and Jim's watch—
becomes a poignant expression of their love and financial sacrifice.
Additionally, O. Henry employs irony as a narrative device. The title itself, "The Gift of
the Magi," alludes to the biblical Magi who brought valuable gifts to the infant Jesus. The irony
lies in Jim and Della's sacrificial gifts being rendered impractical by each other's sacrifice,
highlighting the financial limitations they face.
Through these nuanced storytelling techniques, O. Henry paints a vivid picture of the
couple's financial situation. The use of dialogue, symbolism, irony, and direct exposition
collectively contributes to a rich narrative that not only informs readers about the characters'
economic struggles but also evokes empathy and emphasizes the theme of selfless love
prevailing over financial hardship.
THE END
"Love does not consist of gazing at each other but in looking outward
together in the same direction." This quote encapsulates the selfless nature
of Jim and Della's love.

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UNIVERSAL COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

(Approved by AICTE, NewDelhi & Affiliated to JNTUK, Kakinada)

1- THE GIFT OF THE MAGI

Answer the following questions in about 50 to 60 words each (Short Answers)

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