Analysis Of O. Henry's The Gift Of The Magi

In O. Henry’s “The Gift of The Magi” his warm, comforting tone and descriptive style keeps the audience captivated until the end without losing the essence of the story, which revolves around love and sacrifice. This story is about the struggles of a poor, young couple on Christmas Eve and how they overcome it with love. The author’s description of the couple’s life gives a clear picture of their status and financial struggle. When the author mentions the eight-dollar rent for the apartment, the old battered couch, and the electric bell that does not work, he indicates that the couple is poor. The mistress of the household is trying to decide what to buy for her husband, Jim, with the little money she has. Even though she is distraught, she does not give up hope. “Many a happy hour she had been planning for something nice for him” (O. Henry). Della

“His face can only be described as bearing a mask of melancholy disbelief” (Zaid). She is not able to figure out what he is thinking and slowly tells him that she has cut her hair to get him a gift. Jim still repeatedly asks about her hair with a confused look. Della tells him to be nice to her since she cut her hair for him. Only then does Jim come out of his trance and gives Della his gift. Della finds out Jim got her a pair of tortoiseshell combs to hold her tresses. Jim tells her nothing in the world is going to change his love for Della and it doesn’t matter if she has long or short hair. Della now understands the reason for his reaction and assures him that her hair will grow back soon. Della gives Jim his gift and he starts smiling when he sees the chain for his watch. He tells her that he sold the watch to get her the combs. Jim and Della realize the sacrifice they have made to get gifts for each other. This clearly portrays the couple’s deep love and their desire to give the best gift to each other by sacrificing their prized