One dollar and eighty-seven cents. In the landscape of love, can such a meager sum hold profound significance? O. Henry’s timeless short story, “The Gift Of The Magi,” masterfully explores this question, weaving a poignant narrative of selfless sacrifice and the true meaning of gift-giving. Set against the backdrop of a humble apartment and a looming Christmas, the story introduces us to Della and Jim, a young couple deeply in love but facing financial hardship. Their tale, seemingly simple, resonates deeply with readers even today, offering a powerful reflection on love, sacrifice, and the spirit of Christmas.
Della Dillingham Young, the heart of our story, finds herself facing a familiar Christmas dilemma: wanting to express profound love with limited means. The opening lines paint a vivid picture of her financial constraint – a mere dollar and eighty-seven cents painstakingly saved, mostly in pennies. This isn’t just about the money; it’s about the weight of her desire to give Jim, her beloved husband, a worthy Christmas present. The setting, a “furnished flat at $8 per week,” further emphasizes their modest circumstances. Yet, within this humble abode resides a love that transcends material wealth. O. Henry subtly introduces the concept of pride and possession early on, hinting at the treasures that truly matter to Della and Jim, treasures far beyond monetary value.
Della’s initial reaction to her financial predicament is relatable – she collapses onto their “shabby little couch and howl[s].” This raw emotion immediately grounds the story in human experience. It’s not just a sentimental tale; it’s a glimpse into the real struggles of a young couple trying to navigate love and life with limited resources. This moment of despair, however, quickly transitions into determination. Della’s reflection in the pier-glass becomes a pivotal point. O. Henry describes the pier-glass in their inexpensive flat with a touch of irony, highlighting its inadequacy while simultaneously focusing on Della’s “slender” figure and her “art” of using it to see her reflection. This detail, seemingly minor, sets the stage for Della’s drastic decision, born out of love and desperation.
O. Henry then unveils the “two possessions of the James Dillingham Youngs in which they both took a mighty pride.” These are not material riches but rather deeply personal treasures: Jim’s gold watch, a family heirloom passed down through generations, and Della’s magnificent hair, a natural beauty that is her crowning glory. These possessions are presented as symbols of their personal history and identity. The hyperbolic comparisons to the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon serve to emphasize the immense value they place on these items, a value that is intrinsic and emotional rather than monetary.
Della’s decision to sell her hair is not portrayed as impulsive but as a carefully considered act of love. The description of her hair – “rippling and shining like a cascade of brown waters” – emphasizes its beauty and value, making her sacrifice all the more significant. Selling something so deeply cherished underscores the depth of her love for Jim. The act is swift and decisive, driven by her unwavering desire to find the perfect gift. Her visit to Madame Sofronie, a “Hair Goods of All Kinds” shop, is depicted with brisk efficiency. The transaction is purely business, highlighting the stark reality of her sacrifice. Twenty dollars for her hair – a sum that seems both substantial and yet insufficient in the face of her love for Jim.
With the money in hand, Della embarks on a determined search for Jim’s present. The narrative shifts to emphasize her focused mission. She isn’t just buying a gift; she’s seeking something “worthy of the honor of being owned by Jim.” This reveals her high regard for her husband and her desire to find a gift that truly reflects her feelings. She finds it – a platinum fob chain for Jim’s watch. The description of the chain – “simple and chaste in design, properly proclaiming its value by substance alone” – mirrors Jim’s own character and values. It’s a perfect match, a testament to Della’s deep understanding of her husband. The price, twenty-one dollars, leaves her with a mere 87 cents, mirroring her initial financial state but now imbued with the satisfaction of having secured the perfect gift.
The story then shifts to Jim’s arrival and the unveiling of their gifts. Jim’s reaction to Della’s haircut is not anger or disappointment, but a profound shock and unreadable expression. This builds suspense and foreshadows a deeper twist. His initial words, “You’ve cut off your hair?” are delivered “laboriously,” emphasizing his stunned disbelief. Della’s anxious questions – “Don’t you like me just as well, anyhow? I’m me without my hair, ain’t I?” – reveal her vulnerability and need for reassurance. Jim’s subsequent actions and words are carefully constructed to create maximum emotional impact.
Jim’s gift to Della is revealed – “The Combs—the set of combs, side and back, that Della had worshipped long in a Broadway window.” This is the ironic twist at the heart of “The Gift of the Magi.” Both Della and Jim have sacrificed their most prized possessions to buy gifts that are now rendered useless by their own sacrifices. The combs, “beautiful combs, pure tortoise shell, with jewelled rims,” are exquisite and exactly what Della had always desired, but now, tragically, she has no hair to adorn with them.
The story culminates with Jim’s confession: “I sold the watch to get the money to buy your combs.” The full weight of their mutual sacrifice becomes clear. In their desire to give each other the perfect Christmas gift, they have unknowingly relinquished what made those gifts meaningful in the first place. This irony is not presented as a tragedy, but as a testament to their profound love.
O. Henry concludes by drawing a direct comparison to the biblical Magi. He describes the Magi as “wise men—wonderfully wise men—who brought gifts to the Babe in the manger.” He acknowledges that their gifts were valuable but suggests that Della and Jim, in their “foolish” sacrifice, are even wiser. Their gifts, though materially impractical, are imbued with a love and selflessness that surpasses any material value. The final lines, “Of all who give and receive gifts, such as they are wisest. Everywhere they are wisest. They are the magi,” elevate Della and Jim to a symbolic status. They embody the true spirit of gift-giving – a spirit of love, sacrifice, and selfless devotion.
“The Gift of the Magi” is more than just a Christmas story; it’s an exploration of love in its purest form. It reminds us that the most valuable gifts are not those that can be bought, but those that are given from the heart, even at great personal cost. The irony of Della and Jim’s situation serves to highlight the deeper truth: true love is about sacrifice and cherishing the person, not the possessions. In a world often obsessed with material wealth, O. Henry’s story offers a timeless and heartwarming reminder of what truly matters, making “The Gift of the Magi” a story that continues to resonate and inspire, especially during the Christmas season.
