"The Gift of the Magi" is a short story written by O. Henry (a pen name for William Sydney Porter), about a young married couple and how they deal with the challenge of buying secret Christmas gifts for each other with very little money. As a sentimental story with a moral lesson about gift-giving, it has been a popular one for adaptation, especially for presentation during the Christmas season. The plot and its "twist ending" are well-known, and the story and its lesson are sometimes subverted for the sake of irony or humor. It was allegedly written at ]] on Irving Place in New York City.
Plot
James Dillingham Young and his wife Della are a young couple who are very much in love with each other, but can barely afford their one-room apartment due to their very bad economic situation. For Christmas, Della decides to buy Jim a chain which costs $21.00 for his prized pocket watch given to him by his father's father. To raise the funds, she has her long, beautiful hair cut off and sold to make a wig. Meanwhile, Jim decides to sell his watch to buy Della a beautiful set of combs made out of tortoiseshell and jewels for her lovely, knee-length brown hair. Although each is disappointed to find the gift they chose rendered useless, each is pleased with the gift they received, because it represents their love for one another.
The story ends with the narrator comparing the pair's mutually sacrificial gifts of love with those of the Biblical Magi:
The magi, as you know, were wise men – wonderfully wise men – who brought gifts to the new-born King of the Jews in the manger. They invented the art of giving Christmas presents. Being wise, their gifts were no doubt wise ones, possibly bearing the privilege of exchange in case of duplication. 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. Of all who give and receive gifts, such as they are wisest. Everywhere they are wisest. They are the magi.References
- ^ http://www.frommers.com/destinations/newyorkcity/N24455.html
- ^ O'Henry and The Gift of the Magi LiteraryTraveler.com
External links
- "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry
- Audio book with text at Librivox of "The Gift of the Magi"
- "The Gift of the Magi"
Dad Gift Idea
Dad Gift Ideas - Beautiful mountain scene Poetry Gift for Dad. Personalized poem for father makes a special birthday gift idea. Free shipping available.
Etsy :: Gift Guides :: Dad
Gift Guides Dad. Each of the selections below would make a unique and meaningful gift sure to bring a smile to Dad's face. Find more great gift ideas in the Him Gift Guide and by using ...
Dad | gifts.ie Gift & Hamper News Blog
Gift news & product reviews from our gift and hamper collection. For more information, please visit:
DadShop | Christmas Gift Ideas For Him, Presents ...
Shopping for a Birthday, Anniversary or Christmas gift for Dad, Grandad, Husband, Boyfriend, Mate, Brother or Son? We’re sure to have the perfect unique and unusual gift for any ...
Unique Gifts for Dad, New Dad Gifts, Gifts for Him
Fun gifts for dad, grandfathers, and gift ideas for men. Youll find one of a kind daddy presents and new dad gifts at Daddy Gift Mart
Unique Gifts for Dad - Personalized gift ideas for dad ...
Unique gifts for dad gives you a choice of over 100 high definition designs in etched mirrors, tables, clocks and coat racks in wildlife and other themes
Hip Dad Gift Craft - Home-Made Handprint Gift for ...
Instructions to make a special Hip Dad gift for dad, a great gift idea submitted by Kiddie Korral.
Birthday Gift for Dad
Picture plaques - gifts for Dad for his birthday, your wedding, or any time. Free shipping available.
Dad Knows Gift Tray - The Gift Goblin - Treasured Gifts ...
Gift for Dad for when there is a new baby in the house. Contains Russ Berrie fridge magnet, The Dad's Book. For the Dad Who's Best at Everything and more
Gift Ideas for Dad | baby gift for dad, birthday gift ...
Gift Ideas for Dad | baby gift for dad, birthday gift for dad, christmas gift for dad, christmas gift ideas for dad, gift for mom and dad, gift ideas for dad, gifts for dad