The Gift of the Magi
1. About the Author:
- O. Henry was the pen name of William Sydney Porter, an American short story writer (1862-1910).
- Famous for his stories with twist endings and surprise conclusions.
- His writing style includes simple language, emotional themes, and ironic humor.
2. Setting of the Story:
- Takes place in a small, rented flat of a young couple (Jim and Della).
- Time: Christmas Eve.
- Mood: Mixed-emotional, loving, selfless, with a touch of sadness and joy.
3. Main Characters:
Della
- A young wife who deeply loves her husband.
- She is emotional, caring, and ready to sacrifice anything for Jim.
- She sells her hair to buy a gift for Jim.
Jim
- Della’s husband, also deeply loving and responsible.
- Works hard but earns very little.
- Sells his watch to buy a gift for Della.
Mme. Sofronie
- A hair dealer who buys Della’s long hair.
- She appears cold and business-like, but helps Della sell her hair.
4. Central Themes:
Love and Sacrifice
- Both Jim and Della give up their most precious belongings for each other’s happiness.
- Shows how true love involves sacrifice.
- Though their actions seem foolish, they show the deepest wisdom in giving.
Irony
- The story ends in a twist: both sell the very items needed to use each other’s gifts.
6. Symbolism in the Story:
| Symbol | Represents |
|---|---|
| Della’s hair | Beauty, femininity, sacrifice |
| Jim’s watch | Time, tradition, value |
| Their gifts | Selfless love and emotional richness |
| The Magi | Wisdom, spiritual value in giving |
7. Important Vocabulary (With Meanings):
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Parsimony | Extreme unwillingness to spend money |
| Imputation | Suggesting something negative about someone |
| Instigate | Start or provoke |
| Cascade | A waterfall-like flow (used for Della’s hair) |
| Depreciate | Lose value over time |
| Agile | Graceful and quick |
| Prudence | Good judgment or wisdom |
| Chronicle | A factual story or report |
| Inconsequential | Unimportant |
| Coveted | Deeply desired |
| Trance | A half-conscious state |
8. Situational Irony:
- Della buys a chain for Jim’s watch → but Jim has sold the watch.
- Jim buys combs for Della’s hair → but Della has sold her hair.
- Despite this, both realize their gifts were acts of love, not material value.
9. Moral / Message of the Story:
- Real love is shown through sacrifice, not material gifts.
- Selfless giving is the most beautiful kind of love.
- Jim and Della, though called “foolish”, are actually wise-the true Magi.
10. Structure of the Story (Plot Points):
- Introduction – Della worries about not having enough money.
- Conflict – She has only $1.87 and wants to buy a gift.
- Rising Action – She sells her hair and buys a chain.
- Climax – Jim arrives and sees her without hair.
- Falling Action – Jim gives Della the combs.
- Resolution – Both understand and appreciate each other’s love.
11. Why the Title – “The Gift of the Magi”?
- Magi were the wise men who gave gifts to baby Jesus.
- Jim and Della are called modern Magi because:
- Their gifts came from love, not wealth.
- Their sacrifices showed wisdom and emotional richness.
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