Warning: Use of undefined constant referer - assumed 'referer' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /usr/home/essaywo/public_html/essays on line 102

Warning: Use of undefined constant host - assumed 'host' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /usr/home/essaywo/public_html/essays on line 105

Warning: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at /usr/home/essaywo/public_html/essays:102) in /usr/home/essaywo/public_html/essays on line 106

Warning: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at /usr/home/essaywo/public_html/essays:102) in /usr/home/essaywo/public_html/essays on line 109
Why does O.Henry call his story “The gift of the Magi” - Online Essays

Why does O.Henry call his story “The gift of the Magi”

O.Henry, whose short stories had built up his great reputation. And the story “The gift of the Magi” was one of those short stories. Anyone who reads this story for the first time may mistake it for a fairy tale because of its title. However there are underlying meanings behind this name, which substantially contribute to the value of this story. They are the author’s emphasis on the value of the gifts and his deep appreciation and admiration for the love of two main characters Jim and Della.
The value of the gift is emphasized in the story. Both Jim and Della sell their personal treasure in order to enhance the treasure of the other. Della sells her hair in order to buy a watch chain ...

Want to read the rest of this paper?
Join Essayworld today to view this entire essay
and over 50,000 other term papers

sweetheart. The gifts are selfless and beautiful. O. Henry compares Jim and Della to the most famous gift givers of all, the Magi. With thoes priceless presents, they are the Magi for each other.
O. Henry also shows his appreciation of Jim and Della. He calls this couple the Magi in the last lines of this short story: “ of all who give and receive gifts, they are wisest, everywhere they are wiest. They are the Magi.” The Magi traveled far and wide to bring the baby Jesus wonderful gifts. They did not mind the difficulties they might face on the way. And the couple is also the same. The tough situation, the poverty cannot prevent them from sacrificing for their beloved. They are willing to give up their most valuable treasure to have the treasure of other enhanced. Ironically, the both buy each other gifts to go with the things the other had sold. Hence, their gifts turn out to be useless. The readers may find them silly. Selling their most precious possession shows that ...

Get instant access to over 50,000 essays.
Write better papers. Get better grades.


Already a member? Login


CITE THIS PAGE:

Why does O.Henry call his story “The gift of the Magi”. (2014, January 2). Retrieved December 23, 2024, from http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Why-does-O-Henry-call-his/103513
"Why does O.Henry call his story “The gift of the Magi”." Essayworld.com. Essayworld.com, 2 Jan. 2014. Web. 23 Dec. 2024. <http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Why-does-O-Henry-call-his/103513>
"Why does O.Henry call his story “The gift of the Magi”." Essayworld.com. January 2, 2014. Accessed December 23, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Why-does-O-Henry-call-his/103513.
"Why does O.Henry call his story “The gift of the Magi”." Essayworld.com. January 2, 2014. Accessed December 23, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Why-does-O-Henry-call-his/103513.
JOIN NOW
Join today and get instant access to this and 50,000+ other essays


PAPER DETAILS
Added: 1/2/2014 01:04:20 PM
Submitted By: ngocanh3a11
Category: English
Type: Premium Paper
Words: 458
Pages: 2

Save | Report

SHARE THIS PAPER

SAVED ESSAYS
Save and find your favorite essays easier

SIMILAR ESSAYS
» Exploring Irony And Humor
Copyright | Cancel | Contact Us

Copyright © 2024 Essayworld. All rights reserved