Nguyễn Trương Trường Thơ

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Friday Shift 2 Group 4
"The Gift of the Magi" shows O. Henry's distinct writing style. He goes beyond simply delivering
a story to express deeper ideas and social commentary through his narratives. O. Henry was
noted for his ability to represent regular working-class people's lives and throw light on their
hardships and aspirations. When he pauses the story to make a remark about the value of
money. He wishes to elicit empathy for the struggles of the working class, including his own. He
connects the distance between the reader and the characters through his writing, allowing the
reader to relate to and sympathize with the hardships that ordinary individuals experience. He
hopes to instill compassion and solidarity in his readers, regardless of their social or economic
circumstances. He draws light on the life of the working people, emphasizing their adversity and
persistence. The twist in the story (the gifts become useless) highlights the depth of the two
main characters' devoted affection and underscores the message that material belongings are
insignificant in comparison to the love and dedication they share. The genuine worth of their
presents is found in their generosity and thoughtfulness, rather than in their practicality. The
magi, who delivered precious gifts to the baby Jesus, symbolize the act of giving with pure
intentions and reverence. Their presents of gold, frankincense, and myrrh were more than just
material gifts; they were gestures of devotion and honor. O. Henry emphasizes the underlying
meaning behind Jim and Della's gift-giving act by drawing a connection between the magi and
them. Jim and Della's presents, like the magi's, transcend their physical form and signify their
unconditional love and sacrifice for one other. He suggests that the act of giving, when driven by
love and selflessness, holds immense value regardless of the material worth of the gifts. True
wealth is found in the depth of human connections and the willingness to make sacrifices for
others. Ultimately, the message of "The Gift of the Magi" is a reminder that love, sacrifice, and
genuine human connection are the most valuable gifts we can give and receive.
1. Do you think Jim & Della are wise or unwise? Explain.
They are both wise. Their gifts, while seemingly unnecessary, have a deep emotional impact. It
requires wisdom to know that the ultimate value of a present is not in its monetary or
functional worth, but in the sentiment and effort that went into it. Jim and Della realized that
their love for one other was more essential than any possession or object. True wisdom, in my
opinion, is recognized in the realization that love is about giving without expecting anything in
return. Jim and Della embody this idea by gladly sacrificing what they valued in order to make
each other happy. Their selflessness reminds us that the greatest joy comes from helping
someone we care about to feel cherished and honored. Furthermore, their choices show a
profound grasp of the change of material things. It's easy to become glued to our possessions
and use them to determine our worth. However, Jim and Della's decisions show the value of
prioritizing experiences and relationships with others over material possessions. They
demonstrate that the most valuable presents are those that come from the heart and generate
enduring memories.
2. Jim & Della are not sensible. Do you agree? Explain.
I think it's both not sensible and sensible.
First, Jim and Della's decision to sell their most valued possessions without considering the long-
term effects may be considered foolish. They each give up valuable personal assets, Della's hair
and Jim's pocket watch, without contemplating how these goods may have been used more
effectively. While their presents are earnest displays of love, the circumstances make them
unsuitable and unusable. Jim can't use the chain for his watch since he sold the watch, and
Della can't use the combs she received because she no longer has long hair.
Second, Jim and Della show sensitive understanding of the emotional worth of their presents.
They recognize that the spirit and sacrifice behind a gift are more important than its monetary
value. Their sensible nature can be seen in their willingness to make sacrifices for one another.
They appreciate the significance of prioritizing their partner's pleasure over their own wishes
and belongings. Instead of clinging to their valued possessions, they opt to let go and create a
moment of pure love and selflessness. Their rational attitude acknowledges that true happiness
and contentment stem from the depth of their relationship and the warmth of their love, not
from material stuff.
3. What is the moral lesson that you learn from the story? What makes this story reader-
friendly?
"The Gift of the Magi" teaches the importance of selflessness, sacrifice, and the genuine
meaning of gift-giving. It teaches us that the true value of a present is not in its monetary value,
but in the sentiment and sacrifice that goes into it. The story highlights that true acts of love
and selflessness can provide more satisfaction and contentment than financial possessions.
The story is reader-friendly for several reasons:
- The core subject of the story, which is love, sacrifice, and the actual meaning of gift-giving, is
universal. It connects with readers because it digs into the depths of human emotions.
- The plot of the story is simple and uncomplicated, making it easy for readers to follow along.
The narrative concentrates on the main characters' experiences and feelings, Jim and Della,
offering a clear and interesting storyline that attracts the reader's attention.
- Readers are left with a lasting impression by a surprise twist that occurs in the story's ending,
which stimulates discussion and reflection.