The Gift of The Magi

American Literature – Thursday Shift 2 Group 5
Lecturer: Ms. Bach Linh Trang The gift of the Magi by O. Henry
THE GIFT OF THE MAGI

O. Henry
I. Author & Works
“It couldn't have happened anywhere but in little old New York.” - O. Henry
1. O. Henry
- He was born William Sidney Porter, son of a doctor father and a college-educated mother,
on September 11th, 1862, in North Carolina, USA.
- At the age of 15, Oh. Henry's formal education came to an end as he embarked on an
apprenticeship at his uncle's pharmacy.
- Soon after his marriage in 1887, O. Henry began refining his short stories, which he had
initially penned solely for the amusement of his friends.
- To make ends meet, he became a bank teller at the First National Bank of Austin and
worked as a reporter for The Rolling Stones, and later for the Houston Newspaper.
2. Short stories - Snappers
- Over his 10-year literary career, O. Henry authored over 300 short stories, with 65 of them
written in just 1904: “The gift of the Magi”, “The last leaf”, “After twenty years”, …
- Almost all his stories featured his distinctive surprise ending, which he referred to as the
"snapper."
- Given the twists and turns in O. Henry's own life, his fascination with surprising, twisty
endings is quite understandable.
3. Philosophy on Writing
O. Henry's philosophy was reflected in his wide array of life experiences and travels:
- North Carolina: born, raised, and took on a pharmacist apprentice.
- Texas: working various jobs, encountered legal issues (embezzlement and prison time)
- New Orleans: got scared and fled to escape legal troubles, stay for a short time
- Honduras, a central America country: continued to write, planned to meet his sick wife
- Columbus, Ohio: awaited the trial and found guilty => sentenced to 5 years
- New York: Released after three years, his popularity as a writer soared.
4. Story ideas and Style
- O. Henry primarily favored New York as the setting for his stories, but he also crafted
narratives that took place in the Western United States, the deep South, and New Orleans.
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- He skillfully crafted stories featuring a diverse cast of characters: crooks, chiefs,

policemen, cowboys, aristocrats, con-men, poverty-stricken, and millionaires.
- Writing about ordinary people, especially people of New York
5. The gift of the Magi
- Published in 1905, was allegedly written at Pete's Tavern on Irving Place in New York
City.
- It is a sentimental story with a moral lesson about gift-giving, often adapted for
Christmas movies.
- The plot contains a famous twist ending that illustrates irony.
- Initially published in The New York Sunday World as "Gifts of the Magi" on December
10, 1905.
- It was later included in the O. Henry anthology "The Four Million" in April 1906.
6. Brief note on the curious title “The Magi”
- The Magi are figures from the Christian Bible. They were the “Three Wise Men”, or
also known as the “Three Kings” or “visitors from the East”. Not much else is known,
but it would seem they were figures of high wealth and status. The three men followed
the star of Bethlehem that bloomed in the sky following the birth of Jesus. The star
guided them to the city of Jerusalem where they arrived bearing exquisite, decadent
gifts to newly born Jesus.
ð The tradition of Christmas gift-giving was born.
II. Setting:
1. Time:
- The story is indeed set on Christmas Eve, as indicated by Della's dilemma about what
to buy for Jim as a Christmas gift the next day. “And the next day would be Christmas.”
ð Christmas Eve Setting holds great importance because it offers the chance for the
customary exchange of physical presents typical of the holiday season. It helps them
to show their affection through the act of giving and emphasizes the depth of love
and sacrifice that Della and Jim have for each other.
- More specifically, the events occur in the afternoon when Della is counting her
money, visiting Madame Sofronie's store to sell her hair, and purchasing the fob chain
for Jim's watch.
- Towards the end of the story, it appears to be evening when Della and Jim reunite and
discuss their gifts for each other.
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“At 7 o’clock the coffee was made and the frying–pan was on the back of the stove
hot and ready to cook the chops.”
2. Place
- The events occur in a humble apartment in a city, which is not explicitly mentioned. But
there are references such as "Broadway" or a "Coney Island choir girl”, so it's possible
that the story's setting could be New York.
- New York City in the early 1900s was marked by urbanization, industrialization, and the
influx of immigrants, leading to a diverse and dynamic cityscape. This urban environment
and the challenges and opportunities it presented had a notable impact on the storyline:
+ Economic Struggles: The story mirrors the financial difficulties experienced by many
New Yorkers, such as Jim and Della, who faced challenges in making a living in the city.
+ Consumer Culture: The story reflects the era's growing focus on material possessions.
Della's desire to buy a meaningful gift for Jim aligns with the rising consumer culture,
prevalent in New York City.
+ Urban Intimacy: Jim and Della's small apartment amidst the city's chaos becomes their
intimate sanctuary, where their deep love thrives, countering the city's impersonal nature.
+ Diversity: New York City's diverse population likely influenced the characters'
perspectives, though it's not explicitly explored in the story.
3. Physical settings
- Madame Sofronie's store: The physical setting where Della sold her hair. “Where she
stopped the sign read: “Mne. Sofronie. Hair Goods of All Kinds.”
ð Della selling her hair symbolizes her sacrifice and selflessness to show her love for Jim.
The store emphasizes that Della sacrificed a precious part of herself to give Jim a special
gift.
- The store where Della bought the platinum fob chain: The physical setting where Della
found the gift for Jim. "She found it at last. It surely had been made for Jim and no one
else. It was a platinum fob chain simple and chaste in design, properly proclaiming its
value by substance alone and not by meretricious ornamentation—as all good things
should do."
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ð This gift represents Della's love and affection for Jim. The way the gift is described as
simple and pure in design, without unnecessary decorations, emphasizes that its true value
comes from the heartfelt meaning rather than its material cost.
- Della and Jim's house: Where Della counts her money and where they discuss their
presents at the end of the story. “A furnished flat at $8 per week. It did not exactly beggar
description, but it certainly had that word on the lookout for the mendicancy squad.”
ð The passage mentions their furnished flat, which is described as not “begging description”
but having the word "mendicancy" on the lookout. This indicates that they are living in a
modest and less-than-ideal environment due to their economic circumstances.
- Winter: “ I had my hair cut off and sold because I couldn’t have lived through Christmas
without giving you a present. ... Say `Merry Christmas!’’
ð This action symbolizes unconditional love and sacrifice. She did this to express her love
and to make Jim happy during the Christmas season.
4. Social settings:
- Economic Circumstances
The story portrays a social setting of challenging economic circumstances where
both main characters, Della and Jim, are living with limited income and struggling to
make ends meet, especially during the holiday season. Their financial situation plays a
significant role in the story, prompting them to make sacrifices:
+ Struggling to save money: “One dollar and eighty–seven cents. That was all. And
sixty cents of it was in pennies. Pennies saved one and two at a time by bulldozing the
grocer and the vegetable man and the butcher until one’s cheeks burned with the silent
imputation of parsimony that such close dealing implied. Three times Della counted it.
One dollar and eighty–seven cents. And the next day would be Christmas”
ð She has saved these pennies one or two at a time by negotiating with the grocer
and the vegetable man and the butcher. Her thrifty bargaining has led to silent
accusations of her being miserly.
Question 1: The opening line, "One dollar and eight-seven cents" (in 1905) is
equivalent to how much in today's dollars? Why is this amount both important and
unimportant in the story?
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+ Limited income: “The “Dillingham” had been flung to the breeze during a former
period of prosperity when its possessor was being paid $30 per week. Now, when the
income was shrunk to $20, though, they were thinking seriously of contracting to a
modest and unassuming D.
ð Della and Jim have a weekly income of only $20, which is not sufficient for their
expenses. This income level highlights their economic challenges. However, despite
the decreased income, their love story ultimately prevails, emphasizing the message of
love and sacrifice overcoming financial difficulties.
+ $1.87 for a Christmas present: “she had only $1.87 with which to buy Jim a present.
She had been saving every penny she could for months, with this result. Twenty dollars
a week doesn’t go far. Expenses had been greater than she had calculated. They always
are. Only $1.87 to buy a present for Jim.”
ð Della's realization that she only has $1.87 to buy a Christmas present for Jim shows
how limited their funds are, especially during a time when gift-giving is customary.
+ Downgrading Living conditions: “In the vestibule below was a letter–box into which
no letter would go, and an electric button from which no mortal finger could coax a
ring.”
ð The description of the vestibule, with an unusable letter-box and a non-functional
electric button, symbolizes the couple's economic hardship. It suggests limited
communication due to financial constraints and their inability to afford guests,
highlighting isolation and financial struggles. Overall, it emphasizes the couple's
economic difficulties.
- Customs: “Her Jim. Many a happy hour she had spent planning for something nice for
him. Something fine and rare and sterling—something just a little bit near to being worthy
of the honor of being owned by Jim”
ð Della has spent many hours planning to find a gift that would be worthy of Jim, which
is a custom of expressing love and appreciation through gift-giving during the holiday
season. The passage highlights the importance of selecting a special gift that reflects
the recipient's value and significance in one's life, which is a common custom during
festive times.
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- Social status: Della and Jim can be described as the working-class, facing challenging
financial circumstances, and having to take frugal and self-sacrificing actions to express
their love and affection for each other in a modest environment.
III. Theme & Haiku
The worth of selfless love surpasses material possessions, emphasizing that genuine
gifts are measured by heartfelt thought and love, not their material value.
+ Selfless Love & Sacrifice: The theme of "The Gift of the Magi" revolves around the idea
of selfless love through sacrifice. The story beautifully illustrates how Jim and Della's
selfless love for each other leads them to make significant sacrifices for the sake of the
other's happiness. Their acts of sacrifice are a direct expression of the depth of their love,
underscoring the powerful connection between selflessness and love in the narrative.
Selfless love blooms bright,
Sacrifice in pure moonlight,
Heart's gift, love's true light.
+ The True Meaning of Gift-Giving: The story challenges conventional notions of gift-
giving. It suggests that the value of a gift does not necessarily depend on its material
worth but on the thought and love behind it. Both Jim and Della's gifts symbolize their
deep affection for one another, making them truly priceless.
Gifts beyond gold's gleam,
True worth in love's silent dream,
Soul's rich, priceless theme.
=> O. Henry masterfully weaves together two intertwined themes: selfless love and sacrifice,
as Jim and Della's profound acts of selflessness to ensure each other's happiness illustrate the
inseparable connection between love and sacrifice, while also challenging traditional notions
of gift-giving by emphasizing that the true worth of a gift lies not in its material value, but in
the heartfelt thought and love behind it, thus conveying a powerful message about the genuine
essence of meaningful presents.
Sacrifice they made,
Hair and watch, their love displayed,
True bond will not fade.
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IV. Plot
1. Internal conflict
- Della vs herself (poverty): Della's primary internal conflict comes from her love for Jim
and her desire to give him a meaningful Christmas gift despite her financial hardships. She
wants to express her love in a tangible way but knows she has very little money to work
with. This conflict is attached to her long, beautiful hair, which she ultimately decides to
sell to obtain the funds for Jim's gift. “She had only $1.87 with which to buy Jim a present.
She had been saving every penny she could for months, with this result.”
- Jim vs himself (poverty): Jim, too, grapples with an internal conflict related to his love for
Della. He wants to give her a special Christmas gift but is limited by his financial situation.
He decides to sell his most prized possession, his father's pocket watch, to buy combs for
Della's hair. “Now, there were two possessions of the James Dillingham Youngs in which
they both took a mighty pride. One was Jim’s gold watch that had been his father’s and
his grandfather’s. The other was Della’s hair.”
- Della's satisfaction vs her fear: This conflict is primarily internal, revolving around her
emotional state and self-image.
+ Della experiences a sense of satisfaction when she successfully acquires a gift for Jim.
Her satisfaction is a result of her determination and sacrifice to buy him something
meaningful. She is content and joyful when she thinks about how much Jim will appreciate
the gift she has purchased. This satisfaction reflects her love for Jim and her desire to make
him happy. “When Della reached home her intoxication gave way a little to prudence and
reason.”
+ Della's fear is rooted in the uncertainty of how Jim will react to her appearance after she
has sold her hair. She is anxious about Jim's potential disapproval or disappointment when
he sees her with short hair. She fears that he might not find her as attractive or might not
love her the same way. This fear becomes more pronounced after she has her hair cut and
realizes the drastic change in her appearance.
“…If Jim doesn't kill me," she said to herself, "before he takes a second look at me, he'll
say I look like a Coney Island chorus girl. But what could I do--oh! what could I do with
a dollar and eighty-seven cents?"...”
“….She whispered: "Please, God, make him think I am still pretty."...”
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2. External conflict
- Person vs society: Another external conflict is the societal expectation of exchanging gifts
during the Christmas season. In their society, it's customary to give and receive gifts on
Christmas as an expression of love and celebration. This societal expectation adds pressure
to Jim and Della, as they want to meet these expectations but are constrained by their
financial circumstances. This external conflict is what initially prompts them to consider
making sacrifices in the first place. "Jim, darling,” she cried, “don’t look at me that way.
I had my hair cut off and sold because I couldn’t have lived through Christmas without
giving you a present….” “I sold the watch to get the money to buy your combs. And now
suppose you put the chops on.”
3. Climax
- The climax of this story occurs when Jim and Della exchange their gifts on Christmas Eve.
Della gives Jim "platinum fob chain" she purchased for him, and Jim gives Della the combs
he bought for her hair. Up to this point, Della and Jim have been unaware of each other's
sacrifices. They believe they are giving meaningful gifts to each other, but as they
exchange these gifts, they discover the irony in their actions. Della has sold her hair to buy
Jim a gift that is now useless, and Jim has sold his watch to buy combs for the hair that
Della no longer has.
- Della's and Jim's reactions to their predicament in the story are indeed surprising,
and that's a key element of the story. Instead of reacting with anger or sadness over the
uselessness of the gifts they've exchanged, they respond with understanding and love.
- Jim's statement, "let's put the Christmas presents away and keep them a while.
They're too nice to use just at present" conveys a message of profound love and
appreciation. He recognizes the sacrifice Della made in selling her hair to buy him a
gift, and he doesn't want to diminish the significance of her sacrifice by treating the gift
as if it were now worthless. By suggesting that they keep the gifts for a while, Jim is
acknowledging the sentimental value and love that went into the exchange, even if the
gifts themselves are no longer practical.
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ð The climax of the story serves as a crucial turning point that paves the way for the
unexpected twist ending. As the narrative unfolds, readers, much like Della herself,
gradually realize the extent of Jim's sacrifice and how both gifts rendered themselves
useless. It's a moment of revelation where the true depth of their love and the sacrifices
they've both made become fully apparent. The realization that Jim had sold his cherished
watch, just as Della had sold her hair, to buy the combs she longed for, create a poignant
and touching moment of understanding. This twist ending not only reinforces the theme
of selfless love and sacrifice but also underscores the story's message about the true
meaning of gift-giving, leaving a lasting impression on readers about the profound nature
of their love.
V. Narrator (POV)
"The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry is told from a third-person omniscient narrator.
- The author used third-person pronouns such as "he","she", and "they" throughout
the story. "Della doubled the fob chain in her hand and sat on the corner of the table near
the door that he always entered. Then she heard his step on the stair away down on the
first flight, and she turned white for just a moment…”
ð The narrator is not a character in the story but has access to the thoughts, feelings,
and perspectives of multiple characters, primarily Della and Jim. This narrative
perspective allows the reader to gain insight into the emotions, motivations, and inner
turmoil of both Della and Jim as they navigate the challenges they face.
ð The third-person omniscient point of view gives the reader a comprehensive
understanding of the characters and their actions, which is crucial in a story like "The
Gift of the Magi" where the characters' internal thoughts and emotions play a significant
role in conveying the story's themes of love, sacrifice, and gift-giving. The narrator's
ability to provide insights into the characters' minds allows the reader to connect with and
empathize with Della and Jim as they make their respective sacrifices and experience the
emotional journey of the story.
- The point of view contributes to the development of irony in the story.
ð The narrator knows about Della and Jim's sacrifices while they remain unaware of each
other's actions, leading to the climactic moment when they exchange their gifts. It is used
to create dramatic tension and irony that surprises and engages the reader.
- Because of the limited point of view, the narrator did not reveal Jim's thoughts or
emotions. The story is limited to Della's perspective.
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ð O. Henry's choice of a third-person omniscient narrator in "The Gift of the Magi" creates
a deeper connection between the reader and the characters, allowing readers to become
emotionally invested, fostering interest and curiosity about the story's conclusion, and
contributing to the development of dramatic irony. This narrative perspective enhances the
story's emotional impact and its exploration of themes, making it a compelling and
thought-provoking tale of love and selflessness.
VI. Characters & Characterization
1. Della Young
Della is portrayed as a young woman full of love and devotion for her husband, Jim. She
is described as beautiful, with a sense of warmth and tenderness. Despite their financial
struggles, Della's character demonstrates resilience and a deep understanding of the importance
of love and sacrifice.
a) Character
Della can be classified as a major, round, and dynamic character.
- Major character: The central figures in the story, her actions and decisions drive the
narrative forward.
- Round character: Because she exhibits depth and complexity, and has a range of
emotions, motivations, and experiences. The story delves into her thoughts, desires, and
struggles, allowing readers to understand her character.
- Dynamic character: She undergoes internal changes throughout the story. At the
beginning, she is filled with anxiety and concern about selling her hair, but she ultimately
makes the decision with determination and selflessness. Her emotional journey and her
transformation from uncertainty to resolution reflect her dynamic character development.
b) Characterization
Della's psychological developments in the process of cutting hair
Before selling her hair
Look “A very thin and very agile person may, by observing his reflection in a
rapid sequence of longitudinal strips, obtain a fairly accurate conception of
his looks. Della, being slender, had mastered the art.”
ð Della is described as a slim and agile person who is skilled at observing
her own appearance in a series of rapid reflections, likely referring to a
mirror or similar reflective surface. This suggests that she takes care in
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her appearance and is capable of getting an accurate sense of how she

looks through this method.
“Had the queen of Sheba lived in the flat across the airshaft, Della would
have let her hair hang out the window some day to dry just to depreciate Her
Majesty’s jewels and gifts.”
“So now Della’s beautiful hair fell about her rippling and shining like a
cascade of brown waters. It reached below her knee and made itself almost
a garment for her.”
ð Her hair is described as beautiful, cascading down to her knees. Della
values her hair so much that she would even let it hang out the window
to outshine the Queen of Sheba
Thought “Many a happy hour she had spent planning for something nice for him.
Something fine and rare and sterling—something just a little bit near to
being worthy of the honor of being owned by Jim.”
ð Della has devoted a lot of thought and effort to planning a special gift for
Jim. She desires to give him something exceptional, valuable, and
meaningful, reflecting her deep love and appreciation for him. She wants
the gift to be worthy of Jim, which suggests a strong emotional
connection between them.
Action “Tomorrow would be Christmas Day, and she had only $1.87 with which to
buy Jim a present. She had been saving every penny she could for months,
with this result.”
ð Della is facing financial constraints and has been diligently saving for
months to afford a Christmas present for her husband, Jim. This suggests
that she deeply cares for Jim and wants to make his Christmas special,
even with limited resources.
“Suddenly she whirled from the window and stood before the glass. her eyes
were shining brilliantly, but her face had lost its color within twenty
seconds.”
ð Della has had a sudden realization or idea, likely related to her hair,
which causes her eyes to shine with excitement. However, her facial
expression changes quickly, indicating that this realization may come
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with some hesitation or uncertainty. This suggests that Della may be

considering a significant decision or sacrifice related to her hair.
"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."
ð Della is preparing her hair in a particular way, possibly tying it up or
arranging it, but she does so nervously and quickly. The momentary
hesitation and the tears suggest that she might be emotional or anxious
about what she is doing, further indicating that she's making a significant
decision or sacrifice related to her hair.
“On went her old brown jacket; on went her old brown hat. With a whirl of
skirts and with the brilliant sparkle still in her eyes, she fluttered out the door
and down the stairs to the street.”
ð Della has regained her determination and resolve after initially feeling
anxious about selling her hair. She is now getting dressed and heading
out with a sense of purpose and enthusiasm, likely on her way to sell her
hair to secure a Christmas gift for Jim. This change in her demeanor
suggests a strong commitment to her decision and her desire to make
Jim's Christmas special, despite the emotional turmoil she may have
initially experienced.
Speech ““Will you buy my hair?” asked Della.””
““Give it to me quick,” said Della.””
ð Della's words make it evident that she is firmly resolved to sell her hair.
She is straightforward about her intent and shows her eagerness and
insistence, highlighting her determination to complete the sale as soon as
possible. These statements clearly demonstrate her unwavering
commitment to getting the money she needs for Jim's Christmas gift,
even if it means letting go of her cherished hair.
Relationship ð From Della's actions and thoughts, we can infer that Della shares a deep
with Jim and loving relationship with Jim. Her strong determination to sacrifice
her hair to buy him a special Christmas gift and her thoughts about
planning something nice for him indicate a strong emotional bond and a
desire to make Jim happy. Her concern for his well-being and her
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willingness to make personal sacrifices for his sake highlight the depth
of their relationship and her love for him.
After selling her hair
Thought “the next two hours tripped by on rosy wings. Forget the hashed metaphor.
She was ransacking the stores for Jim’s present. She was ransacking the
stores for Jim’s present.”
ð After selling her hair and obtaining the funds, she feel a sense of
accomplishment. The first and only thing that comes to Della's mind after
having money is to buy a gift for Jim. She always thinks about him,
without giving any thought to herself. Della is happily shopping for Jim's
gift, and time is flying by quickly, expressing her excitement.
"She found it at last. It surely had been made for Jim and no one else."
“As soon as she saw it she knew that it must be Jim’s”
ð Della has discovered the perfect platinum fob chain for Jim and She’s,
without hesitation or regret, confident that it was meant for him.
“When Della reached home her intoxication gave way a little to prudence
and reason.”
ð When Della returns home, her initial excitement and impulsiveness begin
to give way to more careful and rational thinking.
Look “Within forty minutes her head was covered with tiny, close–lying curls that
made her look wonderfully like a truant schoolboy.”
ð Della's head is now adorned with very short, tight curls that give her the
appearance of a young boy who has skipped school. This transformation
in her hairstyle is a significant change from her previous long, flowing
hair, and it likely symbolizes the sacrifice she has made for Jim's
Christmas gift. The description of her new look adds to the emotional
impact of her decision to sell her hair.
Action "She looked at her reflection in the mirror long, carefully, and critically."
ð Della is gazing at her own reflection in the mirror with a prolonged,
meticulous, and critical scrutiny, suggesting she is being very particular
about her appearance for a specific purpose or reason.
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Speech ““If Jim doesn’t kill me,” she said to herself, “before he takes a second look
at me, he’ll say I look like a Coney Island chorus girl. But what could I do—
oh! what could I do with a dollar and eighty–seven cents?””
ð Della is worried that Jim might be shocked by her appearance, fearing
that she might resemble a Coney Island chorus girl. She is pondering
what she could have done with her limited funds and seems concerned
about Jim's reaction.
“she whispered: “Please God, make him think I am still pretty.””
ð Della is silently praying to God, asking for Jim to still find her attractive
despite her changed appearance. This prayer reveals her deep desire for
Jim's continued love and affection, even after sacrificing her long hair
for his gift.
“Jim, darling,” … “don’t look at me that way. I had my hair cut off and sold
because I couldn’t have lived through Christmas without giving you a
present. It’ll grow out again—you won’t mind, will you? I just had to do it.”
“Jim, and let’s be happy. You don’t know what a nice—what a beautiful,
nice gift I’ve got for you”
““Be good to me, for it went for you. Maybe the hairs of my head were
numbered,” she went on with sudden serious sweetness, “but nobody could
ever count my love for you. Shall I put the chops on, Jim?””
ð Can you imagine making significant sacrifice for someone and now
you still have to beg for their love? Della's situation reflects the
profound extent of her love for Jim. She has made a significant sacrifice,
cutting and selling her hair, to express her affection and devotion.
However, her fear of Jim's reaction and her pleas for his love suggest that
she may not be certain of his unconditional affection. This situation
highlights the complexity of their relationship, where love and sacrifice
may not always guarantee absolute assurance of the other person's
feelings.
IMPORTANT!: Before she saw Jim’s gift, she said “My hair grows awfully
fast”. After she saw Jim’s gift, she also said “My hair grows so fast, Jim!”
=> What’s the difference?
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ð The difference in Della's statement before and after seeing Jim's gift lies
in the context and tone.
Before seeing the gift, when she says, "My hair grows awfully fast" she
seems somewhat anxious and worried about Jim's reaction to her shorter
hair. It's as if she's trying to justify her actions and assure Jim that her
hair will grow back soon.
After seeing the gift, when she exclaims, "My hair grows so fast, Jim!"
her tone appears to be more excited and appreciative. She may be
expressing gratitude for the beautiful gift he has given her, and her
statement about her hair growing fast could indicate her happiness and
relief that her hair will eventually grow back.
The difference in these statements reflects the change in Della's
emotions and the shift in the conversation from her sacrifice to the
joy of receiving Jim's gift.
Relationship ð Even after selling her hair, their relationship remained unchanged, or
with Jim even stronger. Their actions spoke volumes about the depth of their love
and devotion for one another. Della's selfless sacrifice and Jim's
thoughtful gift demonstrated a mutual commitment to making each other
happy, despite their financial struggles. Their ability to find joy in giving
and receiving showed that their love was unwavering and their
connection stronger than ever. Their relationship was built on a
foundation of genuine care and consideration, making their bond
unbreakable, even in the face of challenges.
- While describing the psychological development of the two characters as they exchanged
gifts, the author interrupted to give comments on the value of money.
“For ten seconds let us regard with discreet scrutiny some inconsequential object in the
other direction. Eight dollars a week or a million a year— what is the difference? A
mathematician or a wit would give you the wrong answer. The magi brought valuable
gifts, but that was not among them. This dark assertion will be illuminated later on.”
ð The narrator interjects to discuss the importance of money within the story. This
commentary highlights the idea that the value of a gift isn't solely about its cost but also
about the love and thought behind it. This interruption is used to emphasize the story's
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central theme of the true meaning of gift-giving and love, momentarily shifting our focus
from Della and Jim to underscore this message.
- In the end, the author said:

“And here I have lamely related to you the uneventful chronicle of two foolish children
in a flat who most unwisely sacrificed for each other the greatest treasures of their
house.”
ð The term "wise" carries a deeper meaning. The phrase "word to the wise" typically means
giving advice or a warning to those who are already knowledgeable or discerning. The
passage suggests that Della and Jim, despite appearing to make a foolish decision by
sacrificing their most valuable possessions for each other, are actually the wisest of all the
gift-givers. Because they understand and exemplify the true meaning of love and gift-
giving. Their sacrifices, Della selling her hair and Jim selling his watch, reflect their
willingness to put their love for each other above material possessions. Their actions are
selfless and driven by the deep affection they have for one another. In this sense, they are
wise because they recognize that the true value of a gift is not in its material worth but in
the sentiment, sacrifice, and love it represents. Their wisdom lies in their ability to
understand and prioritize the emotional and spiritual aspects of their relationship over
material wealth.
c) Symbolism
Della's character
- Symbolizes the power of love and the importance of selflessness. Her actions mirror
the biblical story of the Magi who brought gifts to Jesus, emphasizing the idea that true
gifts are those given from the heart.
Name
- Her name, Della, is derived from the word "delicate" reflecting her delicate nature and
the fragility of her situation. Additionally, her sacrifice of her hair can be seen as a
symbol of her identity and femininity, further emphasizing the depth of her sacrifice.
The hair and action of cutting hair
Della's long and beautiful hair symbolizes several things in the story:
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- Physical beauty and femininity.

ð It serves as a conventional standard of attractiveness and societal expectations. By
cutting off her hair, Della challenges these conventional notions and demonstrates
her willingness to sacrifice her appearance for the sake of love.
- Material possessions and worldly attachments.
ð It represents something valuable that can be traded or sold for money. By cutting
hair, she shows that material possessions are less important compared to the love
and connection she shares with Jim.
- Identity and individuality.
ð Her hair holds personal significance. Della's willingness to sacrifice these aspects
for the sake of love and the deeper understanding that true value and happiness
come from the strength of their relationship rather than external appearances or
material wealth.
2. James Dillingham Young (lovingly referred to as Jim by Della)

a) Character
- Even though as one of the two main protagonists of the story, Jim doesn’t appear in the
majority of the story, only through descriptions given by Della and the narrator until the
climax. Jim is described as a flat, static character. He gives unconditional love to his
wife Della, even when he realizes that they have sacrificed their most valuable things for
one another. He is also a typical diehard for his family, working himself to the bone to
provide for his wife.
b) Characterization
- Jim’s character was indirectly stated through his actions for and towards his wife Della.
Appearance
+ Jim is still young, at 22 years of age, but keeps on tirelessly working to provide for himself
and Della, leading to his poor physical health: “He looked very thin, very serious”, “He needed
a new coat, and he had nothing to cover his cold hands.”
Personality
+ Hard-working: Jim works every day from dusk to dawn, with very low wages in blistering
cold weather, even when his salary was dropped to $20 from $30. “...a former period of
prosperity when its possessor was being paid $30 per week. Now, when the income has shrunk
to $20…” Still, he was very serious about his job, even costing him his health in the process.
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+ Punctual: Jim takes his job very seriously, but he values the evening time with his wife even
more, as stated by Della in anticipation for his return “Jim was never late”. He always keeps
time using his watch, carefully counting the time away in his job, though very secretive about
it, “Grand as the watch was, he sometimes looked at it on the sly on account of the old leather
strap that he used in place of a chain”.
+ Affectionate: Jim loves his wife Della above everything in the world, even his precious watch.
He would trade his most prized possession for an expensive comb that Della liked, that “Della
had worshiped for long in a Broadway window”, the comb that would accentuate the beauty
of her and her hair. Even when he had seen what Della has done to get a gold chain for his
watch, he would hug and comfort her, saying “I don’t think there’s anything in the way of a
haircut or a shave or a shampoo that could make me like my girl any less”, and then settled
down to have dinner together, because spending time with his wife is already a very satisfactory
gift.
Speech
+ Jim’s voice is soft and caring towards his wife, filled with shock, ““You’ve cut off your
hair?” asked Jim, laboriously”, and concern, ""You say your hair is gone?” he said, with an
air almost of idiocy.”, when he saw that she had cut her precious hair, but turned to comfort
and understanding to calm Della down after she had realized their sacrifices. “Dell,” said he,
“let’s put our Christmas presents away and keep ’em a while. They’re too nice to use just at
present.”
Action
+ Jim’s unseen actions show his immense love for his lovely wife. He worked incredibly hard,
even with poor wages, to provide for her. On Christmas day, to get a gift deserving of Della,
he traded his precious watch, which was given to him by his father, and his father before him.
He was willing to trade away his family heirloom for a gift that Della merely likes. “I sold the
watch to get the money to buy your combs.”
Jim’s watch
+ Jim’s watch has immense sentimental value for Jim, as it symbolizes the bond he shared with
his father, and his father before him with his grandfather. “Jim’s gold watch that had been his
father’s and his grandfather’s”. It represents familial heritage that he had left behind for a
life together with Della, and for her happiness as he sold it away for her comb. The watch also
symbolizes time, Jim’s diligence and hardworking efforts, the hours in which he works to
support the family, and the precious time spent together at home with his wife.
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ð Jim can be seen as the backdrop for Della’s character to shine, and the reliable counterpart
to Della’s dynamic shift in emotions.
ð Della and Jim are incredible lovebirds, who would go any length for each other.
3. Madame Sofronie
Sofronie, the character who buys Della's hair in "The Gift of the Magi" by O. The story
provides limited information about her. Madame's role in the narrative is primarily to purchase
Della's hair, and her character is not explored in depth. She serves as a transactional figure who
indirectly contributes to the plot's development, without the story delving into her background
or motivations.
a) Character
To O.Henry, Madams in the story is portrayed as a flat and minor character, however she
plays a crucial role in the plot by purchasing Della’s hair, her role is primarily to facilitate
Della's act of sacrifice. Moreover, she is also described as a static character. She does not
undergo any significant changes or developments throughout the story. Her purpose remains
consistent, and her role is fixed in facilitating the sale of Della’s hair.
b) Characterization: her characterization is limited
Looks
+ Sofronie’s physical appearance is described in the story as “The landlady was fat, pale, cold,
and had none of the image that the name Sofronie evoked”. The narrative provides a little
information about her appearance, and she remains somewhat of a minor character. However
the character’s role in the story is crucial, and it is more symbolic than complex. She represents
the opportunity for Della to obtain the funds needed to buy Jim’s gift. Her role is primarily a
plot device, highlighting the contrast between the selflessness of Della and the materialism of
outside world.
Relationship
+ Madam’s relationship with Della is a transactional one. She is the owner of a hair salon who
purchased Della's hair. This relationship is brief and purely business- oriented, and there is no
indication of a deeper personal connection.
Action
+ Madam's primary action in the story is buying Della's hair. Her willingness to purchase
Della's hair emphasizes the value of Della's sacrifice. Her action contributes to the central plot
by providing Della with the funds she needs to buy Jim's gift.
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Speech
+Her speech is limited to just two sentences in the story “Take yer hat off and let’s have a
sight at the looks of it.” and “Twenty dollars”. However, the effectiveness of her trading was
remarkable. Her purchase of Della's hair allows Della to obtain the money needed to purchase
Jim's gift, thereby furthering the story's central themes of altruism and sacrifice in the name of
love.
VII. Figurative language
In "The Gift of the Magi" O. Henry masterfully uses figurative language to enhance the
storytelling. These figurative devices help create a rich, emotional narrative that
underscores the themes of love, sacrifice, and the true meaning of giving. The simile,
metaphor, hyperbole, and irony work together to engage the reader and deepen the
emotional impact of the story, making it a classic of American literature.
a) Simile
One of the prominent similes in the story describes Della's hair as "rippling and shining
like a cascade of brown waters." This simile serves to emphasize the beauty and lustrous
quality of her hair as well as its value. By comparing it to flowing water, O. Henry conveys
the idea of movement, life, and the captivating nature of her hair.
b) Metaphor
“the magi”
O. Henry employs a metaphor when he refers to Jim and Della as "the magi." This metaphor
draws a comparison between the biblical magi who brought gifts to the Baby Jesus and Jim
and Della, highlighting the wisdom and selflessness of their gift-giving. It suggests that their
actions are not just ordinary gifts but are filled with profound meaning and sacrifice.
“Oh, and the next two hours tripped by on rosy wings. Forget the hashed metaphor. She
was ransacking the stores for Jim's present.”
In this line, O. Henry uses the metaphor of time passing on “rosy wings.” It suggests that
Della's anticipation and excitement make time seem to pass quickly and joyfully, as if it were
flying on beautiful wings. But keen readers might notice an element of contradiction: “trip” is
a manner of walking or running, but is used with “wings”, associated with flight, not walking,
or running...
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“Forget the hashed metaphor.”

Immediately our suspicions are confirmed. The narrator admits use of a "hashed
metaphor", possibly a different term for a mixed, contradictory metaphor, and directs readers
ourselves to disregard it. There are a few possible reasons why he did this:
- A clever way to speed up the pace of the story at the point where Della was rushing
from store to store, as if the narrator was struggling to keep up with her, leaving no time
for fancy metaphors.
- Gently poking fun at the use of incongruent mixed metaphors, or just cryptic metaphors
in general
c) Hyperbole
O. Henry employs hyperbole when he describes Della's hair as the "greatest treasure of
their house." This exaggeration serves to emphasize the deep sentimental value that Della and
Jim place on her hair “ It reached below her knee and made itself almost a garment for her”.
It heightens the emotional weight of her decision to sell her hair, making it clear that her
sacrifice is monumental in their eyes.
Moreover , In the story, the narrator compares Della and Jim's most valued possessions
(their hair and watches) respectively to the two Biblical figures: the Queen of Sheba and King
Solomon.
“Had the queen of Sheba lived in the flat across the airshaft, Della would have let her hair
hang out the window some day to dry just to depreciate Her Majesty’s jewels and gifts.”
“Had King Solomon been the janitor, with all his treasures piled up in the basement, Jim
would have pulled out his watch every time he passed, just to see him pluck at his beard
from envy.”
d) Irony
Dramatic irony
The first layer of irony in the story can be seen as dramatic irony. This occurs when the
audience (or reader) knows something that the characters do not. In this case, the readers are
aware of Della's secret plan to buy gifts for Jim but Jim does not. This detail helps set up the
twist, the situational irony soon after.
Situational irony
The title, "The Gift of the Magi" is also ironic because it alludes to the wise men who
brought gifts, yet the story revolves around Jim and Della giving up their most cherished
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possessions to buy gifts for each other they can’t even use. The entire plot is built on a
foundation of situational irony, where the outcome is different from what is expected. To
explain, They both make tremendous sacrifices to buy meaningful gifts, but these sacrifices
ultimately result in gifts that have lost their utility. Della's gift of the chain for Jim's watch is
rendered useless because Jim sold his watch to buy combs for her hair, which she no longer
has. Jim's gift of the combs is similarly rendered useless because Della sold her hair to buy the
chain for his watch. This ironic twist highlights the futility of their sacrifices from a practical
perspective. “let’s put our Christmas presents away and keep for, a while. They’re too nice to
use just at present. I sold the watch to get the money to buy your combs”.
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American Literature – Thursday Shift 2 Group 5

- He skillfully crafted stories featuring a diverse cast of characters: crooks, chiefs,

her appearance and is capable of getting an accurate sense of how she

with some hesitation or uncertainty. This suggests that Della may be

- In the end, the author said:

- Physical beauty and femininity.

2. James Dillingham Young (lovingly referred to as Jim by Della)

“Forget the hashed metaphor.”

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