Literary Analysis of O. Henry ‘The Gift of the Magi’
‘The Gift of the Magi’ is one of the famous short stories by O. Henry. Published in 1905, the focal point of the story centers on the notion of gift giving between impoverish couples and the corresponding result of their intention to offer something during Christmas time. The use of imagery and metaphor in the story also enables readers to look into and understand the relationship dynamics and the true nature of what gift giving is for people who are poor. It goes to show that the true meaning of gift giving resonates not on what one would receive but rather the motivation and related effort in making these possible.
One of the most important themes provided by Henry in the story reflects the sacrifice that the couples had to make in order to make each one happy. Specifically, it emphasizes the willingness of each individual to let go of their most prized possessions to make someone happy. For Della, it would be her long beautiful hair and Jim, his prized watch that has been passed down by his father (Henry 1). It shows how much the couple values one another that they are willing to give up the things that are important to them. Though in the end both were not able to take advantage of the gift they bought, the author is able to create a lasting impression to audience concerning the extent that each one would do to please the other.
Another essential theme depicted by the story and remains to be related to sacrifice is love and care shared by the couple. Apart from the fact that it was the season for giving, both Jim and Della wanted to share a special gift to one another because it is their way of showing love. Equally, care is shown with the willingness of each one to offer something to their partner because they feel it is a way to strengthen their bonds and connection (NYU.edu 1). Even if the couples are depicted by Henry to be limited in terms of financial capabilities, they remain to be rich because of the love and attention given to each other. It is through this reality that Henry’s piece is able to transcend to the numerous readers because of its simple yet deep message about love and affection.
Henry also utilizes symbolisms in the story that allows readers to gain important insights and lessons. One of the most evident is the ‘gift’ of both couple to each other. Arguably, this remains to be an important aspect in shaping the development of characterization and values in the story. In particular, advances the idea that the true significance of any gift does not necessarily reflect the price or type of object that is given. Rather, it comes from the effort and intention of any giver to provide an effort in choosing the appropriate gift and without asking for anything in return (Fitzpatrick 1). From the viewpoint of Henry, this is what ‘gift giving’ really means. Even if Jim and Della are poor, they still had the means to offer something wonderful to one another that money isn’t capable of buying.
Overall, Henry’s ‘The Gift of the Magi’ is a story that is not only fit during the Christmas season rather a piece that helps readers appreciate the true nature of gift giving. It shows that sometimes it is not the material things that define value and significance. Rather, it is the inclination of one to show importance to another and try to offer something that is worthwhile and relevant to the other. Using the situation of Jim and Della, the story is able to capture this point and enables readers to rethink about what really matters to the ones they love.
Works Cited
Fitzpatrick, Dean. ‘The Gift of the Magi’ by O. Henry: The Wise Fools of Christmas’ The Civilized Reader. 16 Dec. 2013. Web. Accessed 30 August 2014.
Henry, O. ‘The Gift of the Magi’ East of the Web. n.d. Web. Accessed 30 August 2014.
NYU.edu.The Gift of the Magi. n.d. Web. Accessed 30 August 2014.