The gift of the magi introduction. The Gift Of The Magi: [Essay Example], 551 words GradesFixer 2023-01-03
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The Gift of the Magi is a short story written by O. Henry, first published in 1906. The story follows a young couple, Jim and Della, who are desperately trying to find the perfect gifts for each other for Christmas. Despite their limited financial resources, the couple demonstrates their love and devotion to each other through their selfless acts of sacrifice.
The Gift of the Magi is a poignant tale that highlights the true meaning of Christmas and the importance of giving. It teaches us that the greatest gifts are often those that come from the heart, rather than those that are bought with money. In this way, the story serves as a reminder of the true spirit of the holiday season: the celebration of love, compassion, and generosity.
The Gift of the Magi is a classic tale that has been widely beloved by readers for over a century. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the timeless themes it explores, as well as the skill and craftsmanship of O. Henry's writing. The story is a reminder of the value of selflessness and the power of love to overcome even the most difficult circumstances. It is a gift that continues to give, bringing joy and inspiration to readers of all ages.
What is the exposition, rising/falling action, climax, and resolution of "The Gift of the Magi"?
And now suppose you put the chops on. Henry often chose to translate tragedy or misfortune into an emphasized regard and tenderness for the unlucky or the underdog. Desperate to find him the perfect gift, out she goes into the cold December day, looking in shop windows for something she can afford. The couple has two possessions in which they both took a mighty pride. His penchant for dramatic irony, a trademark in many of his short stories, gives his style its distinctive flavor. They are the magi. Henry, written and published in 1905.
Nineteen of those stories, written across his career, are included in this lesson plan. The one thing Jim loved best in all the world was his golden pocket watch. Henry the point of view is told in third person omniscient. Henry's most famous stories. Within the flat itself, he points out the worn carpet and couch and the almost useless piece of mirror that Della has for making herself up. The second date is today's date — the date you are citing the material.
Resolution: Jim confesses to Della that he sold his watch. She is dismayed at how meager the amount is, as she has spent months saving. The themes portrayed in this work are poverty, love, and generosity. Jim is making less money than he had previously, and it is Della's responsibility to stretch their budget, particularly for groceries. The theme of this story should always be kept in mine that love is more important then money. One that is often, for good, bad, or in-between, given over to an unwanted fate, only to be rescued through a combination of sentimentality and his patented surprise ending. He continued to write in prison, and when he was released he moved to New York City and began his prolific writing career under the pen name, O.
Henry's collection The Four Million on April 10, 1906. The last date is today's date — the date you are citing the material. When the narrator in this story describes Della's hair and Jim's watch, he alludes to the Bible: ''Had the Queen of Sheba lived in the flat across the airshaft, Dellawould have let her hair hang out of the window some day to dry just to depreciate Her Majesty's jewels and gifts. Most of the action occurs at Jim and Della's small, shabby apartment. He never cared for the so-called higher classes but preferred to cull his characters, and his sympathies, from watching ordinary people on the streets and in the shops and cafés. Allusion Another element of "The Gift of the Magi" is allusion, or references to well-known people, places, events, or artistic works. Jim tells Della that he sold his watch to buy the combs.
I would recommend this story to be read at Christmas a place where it feels warm because not only the story is a warm story and truly enjoyable to read it also has Christmas feeling to it which tells the true meaning of gifting. Christmas is just the next day, and with very little money, Della is scrambling to buy a present for her special Jim. Where Was "The Gift of the Magi" Published? Theme and Moral The story uses the literary technique of irony to resolve a well-crafted narrative. What they foolishly don't realize, however, is that they've given each other a greater gift: their sacrificial love. Cite this page as follows: "The Gift of the Magi - Themes and Meanings" Comprehensive Guide to Short Stories, Critical Edition Ed. It bothered me that they both failed in their presents. Instead of facing the charges, Porter fled the country, eventually landing in Honduras, which had no extradition treaty with the United States.
Henry about Jim and Della, an impoverished young couple who make sacrifices in order to buy each other meaningful Christmas gifts. During Prohibition, the flower shop in front led to the booze in the back, likely protected from police raids by its nearby proximity to Tammany Hall. Their respective experiences are skillfully and credibly interwoven, highlighting their individuality and inter-relationship in which we see dramatic change and growth in each of the characters. Henry moved to Pittsburgh where Margaret, now 12, lived with her grandparents. Using very little space, O. In this case, the information provided regarding Della's small savings, their apartment, Jim's salary, and the couple's two prized possessions his watch and her hair , are the story's exposition.
The Gift of the Magi and Other Stories Lesson Plan
Thus, it may be assumed that he is as much deeply in love with Della as she is with him. Henry does an exceptional job of creating a robust and full story with a clear story arc in "The Gift of the Magi". . Its major theme is the difference between wisdom and foolishness, or having or not having, a sense of judgment and understanding. They know that their love for each other is worth more than any gift that they could have given or received. In the end though they lost their favorite things — her husband sold his gold watch and his wife cut off her cherished long hair -their love for each other is very strong and it can be seen that they are a happy couple. While these stories serve as examples of the satirical wit, stylistic flair, and trademark surprise endings for which Henry was beloved, they also epitomize extremely problematic racist and patriarchal values.
Sometimes, when Jim did not think anyone could see, he took out that golden watch, turned it over, and rubbed it with care. In this story, the author shows a genuine love between young spouses, which is more precious than any material possessions. The lack of any elegance or pride in their immediate surroundings must be emphasized so readers understand why it is so vital that each character present the other with a wonderful Christmas gift. Henry lets his readers know how special these items are. Henry's story is a classic example of literary irony, the contrast between an expectation of what will occur and what actually takes place.
