The Gift of The Magi: Theme of Sacrifice

Introduction

"The Gift of the Magi" is a short story by O. Henry that revolves around the selfless and unconditional love between a young couple, Della and Jim. In this essay, we will explore how O. Henry utilizes the theme of sacrifice to depict their love for each other.

Summary of the Story

The story is set on Christmas Eve, and Della is worried about buying a present for Jim as she does not have enough money. To raise funds, she sells her beautiful long hair, while Jim sells his prized pocket watch to buy Della a set of combs. When they exchange their gifts, they realize that they have both sacrificed what they treasured the most to buy a present for the other.

Della and Jim are the central characters in the story. Della is depicted as a young woman who is deeply in love with her husband, while Jim is a hardworking man who adores his wife. The story is told from a third-person omniscient point of view, allowing us to experience the thoughts and emotions of both characters.

Analysis of the Theme of Sacrifice

The theme of sacrifice is prevalent throughout the story. Sacrifice refers to the act of giving up something valuable for the sake of someone else or a higher cause. Della and Jim's actions of selling their most precious belongings to buy a present for the other exemplify sacrifice.

There are two main significances of their sacrifices. Firstly, their sacrifices demonstrate how much they love and value each other. By selling their most cherished items, they show that their love for each other is worth more than their possessions. Secondly, their sacrifices convey a powerful message about the true meaning of Christmas, which is about giving selflessly without expecting anything in return.

Analysis of Selfless Love

Selfless love is another prevalent theme in the story. Selfless love refers to the act of putting the needs and happiness of someone else above one's own desires. Della and Jim's actions stem from selfless love as they prioritize their partner's happiness over their own.

Their acts of selfless love drive the narrative of the story. Their love is not transactional or conditional, but rather selfless and unconditional. It is this portrayal of love that is responsible for the emotional impact the story has on readers, making it a timeless festive classic.

Comparison to the Magi

The title of the story, "The Gift of the Magi," is significant as it symbolizes Della and Jim's sacrifices. The Magi were the three wise men who traveled to Bethlehem to give gifts to baby Jesus and signify the act of giving gifts at Christmas.

There is a parallel between Della and Jim's sacrifices and those of the MagThe Magi gave gifts to a higher power, while Della and Jim gave gifts to each other, demonstrating their unconditional love. The comparison highlights the message that the act of giving, regardless of the recipient, is an expression of love and sacrifice, which is the essence of Christmas.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "The Gift of the Magi" is a beautiful story that depicts the power of sacrifice and selfless love. Della and Jim's sacrifice of their most valuable possessions to buy a gift for the other highlights the importance of the act of giving as an expression of love. The story is a timeless classic that reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas, which is about giving selflessly without expecting anything in return.

References

1. Henry, O. (2010). The Gift of the MagChartwell Books, Inc.
2. Smith, T. (2015). Sacrifice: Its Nature and Significance. Oxford University Press.
3. Richards, C. (2018). Selfless Love: A Philosophical Analysis. Cambridge University Press.