What is the main idea of the story The Gift of the Magi?

What is the main idea of the story The Gift of the Magi?

The main idea of “The Gift of the Magi” is that the value of a gift is in the giver, rather than the gift itself. Jim and Della, out of their love for each other, purchased a gift that required them to sacrifice something that was precious to them.

What is the message in the gift of the Magi?

The message of the story is that sincere love captures the spirit of Christmas more perfectly than any gift we can possibly buy for another person. “The Gift of the Magi” is a Christmas story, one that still resonates today many years after its publication.

What is the introduction of the Gift of the Magi?

“The Gift of the Magi” is a short story by O. Henry first published in 1905. The story tells of a young husband and wife and how they deal with the challenge of buying secret Christmas gifts for each other with very little money.

What is the subject of the Gift of the Magi?

Value. “Gift of the Magi” revolves around a young couple, Della and Jim, who lack a lot in the way of material possessions and external amusements. The beginning of the story focuses on their povertythe shabby couch, the lack of mirror, the eight-dollar flat, the broken doorbell.

What is the irony in the Gift of Magi?

The irony of the ending of “The Gift of the Magi” is the fact that both Della and Jim unselfishly sacrificed their most prized possessions in order to purchase gifts that the other would be thrilled about receiving, but each of them sacrificed the very thing for which the other bought the gift.

What does Jim’s watch symbolize?

Jim’s gold watch Symbol Analysis. Jim’s watch holds sentimental value for him as well, having been passed down from generation to generation. In this way, the watch represents Jim’s ties to the family he grew up in—the family he leaves in order to make a new family with Della.

Why did Jim look at his watch secretly?

Grand as the watch was, sometimes Jim checked it secretly because he was ashamed of the old leather strap that he used in the place of a chain. When Della reached home, she got out her curling irons, lit the gas and went to work on her now very short hair.

How is the ending of the Gift of the Magi ironic?

The ending of the story is ironic because you would expect that Jim would have his watch and chain and the story would end. What really happened was Jim sold his watch to but combs for Della’s hair, and Della sold her hair to buy a chain for Jim’s watch. They both ended up with nothing to use with their new gift.

What does Jim say about Della’s hair?

What does Della’s hair and Jim’s watch symbolize? They represent beauty, value, and sacrifice.

Why Jim and Della are called the Magi?

James Dillingham Young, or Jim and Della, are called “the magi” in the final sentence of O. Since they were wise men, their gifts were undoubtably wise, too, and it is suggested that the spirit of their love and generosity are something to strive for in the gift-giving season.

Does Jim find della pretty with her hair gone why why not?

When Jim walks through the door, he possesses an unreadable expression that utterly terrifies his tremulous wife. He simply stared as her fixedly with that peculiar expression on his face. Della quickly explains that she cut and sold her hair because she wanted so badly to buy him something nice for Christmas.

What does Della’s hair symbolize?

Della’s hair symbolizes her youth and beauty, and as she and her beloved husband are very poor, it also symbolizes her most valuable possession. Symbolically, then, Della’s hair represents youth, wealth, and beauty, and her sacrifice of this hair represents her all-encompassing love for her husband.

What was special about Della’s hair?

Della’s hair is significant because it is the sacrifice she makes for her love of Jim. Della loves her hair. It is significant because it is her most prized possession. It is lovely, and she has not cut it for so long that it falls below her knees.

What is the significance of 3 in The Gift of Magi?

The three gifts had a spiritual meaning: gold as a symbol of kingship on earth, frankincense (an incense) as a symbol of deity, and myrrh (an embalming oil) as a symbol of death. This dates back to Origen in Contra Celsum: “gold, as to a king; myrrh, as to one who was mortal; and incense, as to a God.”

What theme do Della’s actions?

What theme do Della’s actions in this sentence best suggest? Sacrifice is more important than true love. Sacrifice for a loved one is not always easy. Sacrifice is part of a life lived to the very fullest.

Which best describes the use of irony in this excerpt The Gift of Magi?

Which best describes the use of irony in this excerpt? The excerpt is an example of verbal irony, as Jim tells Della to put the presents away. The excerpt is an example of dramatic irony, as the audience knows something that Jim does not.

What is the theme of The Gift of the Magi quizlet?

The theme of the story is love and sacrifice. In the story, each character shows love towards one another by sacrificing what they had for each other.

Why is Della crying at the beginning of the story?

In the beginning of the story, Della is crying out of legitimate sadness. She and her husband, Jim, are poor. Della is sad that she is unable to buy Jim a decent Christmas present. Christmas day is the next day, and she desperately wants to buy Jim a present, but just can’t afford it.

What is the purpose of the author’s description of the beauty of the combs?

What is the purpose of the author’s description of the beauty of the combs? The author is emphasizing the sense of loss that Della must feel when she realizes she can’t use them. This description is included as a part of the setting of the story. The author is contrasting Della’spoverty with her extravagant tastes.