“The Gift of the Magi” O. Henry The following entry presents criticism on O. Henry's short story “The Gift of the Magi” (1906). INTRODUCTION “The Gift of the Magi” (1906) remains one of the most recognizable and frequently anthologized stories in American literature. In its time the tale was extremely popular, both commercially and critically, and O. Henry was called the “Yankee Maupaussant.” Today the story is considered juvenilia and has not garnered much serious critical attention. “The Gift of the Magi” initially appeared in one of O. Henry's best-known collection of stories, The Four Million, which was published in 1906. Plot and Major Characters On Christmas Eve, a young married woman named Della has cut and sold her long, beautiful hair to earn the rest of the money she needs for her husband's Christmas present: a platinum chain for his treasured watch. When her husband, Jim, returns to their apartment, he is shocked to see her hair gone; he has sold his watch to buy her a pair of tortoise-shell combs for her long hair. Touched by his thoughtfulness, Della assures him that her hair will grow back and she gives him the watch chain. When he sees the gift, he lovingly tells her that he has sold his cherished watch to buy her the combs for her hair. The story concludes with an omniscient narrator praising the sacrifice and love of the young couple. Major Themes Critics have noted the irony of the young couple sacrificing their most treasured possessions—Della's hair and Jim's watch—in order to buy each other gifts related to those same possessions. Poverty is also a prominent theme, as Della saved her money for months to buy the platinum watch chain, but she still had to cut and sell her beautiful hair. The descriptions of the environs and the couple's clothing also underscore the indigence of the characters in the story. As O. Henry was categorized as a realist, “The Gift of the Magi” has been perceived as an authentic, anecdotal look at lower-class American life near the turn of the century. The story is also thought to exemplify the author's interest in the elements of surprise and trick endings, as the impact of the mutual sacrifice is not revealed until the conclusion of the tale. Critical Reception Upon its publication in The Four Million, “The Gift of the Magi” caught the attention of the American public as well as reviewers. It was frequently mentioned as a prime example of O. Henry's work and has appeared in several anthologies of American short stories. Yet the story has mostly failed to attract serious critical analysis. There has been some debate as to the source of “The Gift of the Magi,” and a recent critic, John A. Rea, has determined where the plotline for the story originated. Many commentators consider the story more of an anecdote, devoid of complex characters and themes. Recently “The Gift of the Magi” has been classified and republished as a story for children. Despite the lack of considerable critical attention, most literary scholars still consider it one of the best Christmas stories ever written. The reader quickly understands that $1.87 is not a lot of money when the narrator says ‘That was all.’ We get a better understanding of their poverty when we witness Della’s embarrassment. She must haggle for every household purchase to save sixty cents worth of pennies and she is ashamed of the necessity and the poverty it indicates. And, just in case the reader is slow, we are told that such dealings indicate parsimony. Porter contrasts the poverty of the Youngs to the vast wealth and riches of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. He shares with the readers the two small treasures of the household and contrasts the value of these treasured objects to the vast storehouses of wealth that Solomon and the Queen of Sheba have. Yet despite the obvious poverty and meagerness of these treasures, Porter will soon show us that what Jim and Della have is of more value than any priceless treasure locked up in a storehouse. Generosity Generosity is a major theme in Gift of the Magi. Clearly, any story that focuses on gift-giving as its major plot-line must deal with the concept of generosity. However, Porter is interested in something deeper than superficial generosity of giving a gift that comes easily. He is interested in generosity born out of a love so deep it transcends reason or wisdom. Love, such as we see between Jim and Della. 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 for Jim’s only valuable inheritance. Jim sells his watch in order to enhance Della’s crowning glory. The narrator of the story comments on their actions by saying “And here I have lamely related to you the uneventful chronicle of two foolish children in a flat who most unwisely sacrificed for each other the greatest treasures of their house. But in a last word to the wise of these days let it be said that of all who give gifts these two were the wisest.” Love In the paragraph where we are introduced to Jim, the writer gives us an idea of Della’s exuberant affection for Jim when he says “whenever Mr. James Dillingham Young came home and reached his flat above he was called "Jim" and greatly hugged by Mrs. James Dillingham Young, already introduced to you as Della. Which is all very good.” When the narrator writes “Which is all very good.” He hints that there must be more in a marriage. And in some small way Jim sums it up when he sees his gift from Della and says “They're too nice to use just at present. I sold the watch to get the money to buy your combs.” His statement seems a natural commentary on the uselessness of the gifts since their intended purpose has been ironically removed. However, Jim’s remark, is also a comment on the value of the gifts. They are too nice not only because of the money they represent but also because of the sacrificial love they represent. Self- sacrifice in the name of love is the wisest gift. . The Gift of the Magi O. Henry The following entry presents criticism on O. Henry's short story The Gift of the Magi (1906). INTRODUCTION The Gift. other the greatest treasures of their house. But in a last word to the wise of these days let it be said that of all who give gifts these two were the