I love reading O’Henry’s short stories. It was a pretty natural choice for me to pick another one of the writer’s short stories. The Gift of the Magi is very popular, and I read it in some textbook years ago. I don’t remember much about it; it is like reading a new story.
Jim aka James, and Della are a young married couple. It’s Christmas time, and both of them want to buy a nice gift for their spouse. However, they are on a limited budget and need to find something nice which would be affordable. Della has 1.87 dollars for a gift which is far too less for anything impressive. While browsing, she finds a place that sells hair goods. She gets her knee-length hair cut and sells the hair for 20 dollars. Jim has an ancestral pocket watch that Della wants to buy a chain for his pocket watch. After selling her hair, she is able to buy a nice gold chain to match the pocket watch.
Back at home, Della tries to hide the fact that her hair is much shorter, but Jim notices. Reluctantly, she admits to cutting off and selling her hair to buy him the chain for his pocket watch. Jim gives her a premium set of hair combs which she always wanted, but now, it is not useful since her hair is short. Jim has sold his pocket watch to buy her the hair comb. Jim and Della both sacrifice something so special to them to buy the other one a beautiful gift. Ironically, both gifts turn out to be useless in their current circumstances.
The narrator of the story puts a lot of focus on value. The value of inner beauty is emphasized rather than materialistic possessions. Jim and Della are living modestly, but they are happy. They value each other and value their relationship despite difficult economic conditions. It is never hinted that their life lacks anything because of their financial situation. The other theme of the story is the sacrifice. Della’s only prized possession is her hair, and Jim’s is the pocket watch.
To be able to give a meaningful gift to each other, they both sacrifice the thing that is special to them without a second thought. Though, in the end, it seems that their sacrifice to buy those gifts is in vain; it is not. Materialistically, those gifts may not matter now, but they added so much to their relationship and dynamic. Selflessly, both of them make a sacrifice to make the other happy, which is a beautiful sentiment. The saying, ‘it’s the thought that counts’, perfectly matches Jim and Della’s situation in the end.
The Gift of the Magi by O’Henry is a beautiful and emotional tale. It talks about love, sacrifice, and relationships in a way that is not preachy. It’s one of the best short stories I have read and no, it will be one of my all-time favorites.
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