The Gift of the Magi

Scrutinity

Close inspection

Della's and Jim's hard choices result in O. Henry's surprise ending. What is your reaction to this ending? Do you enjoy this kind of irony in stories or movies, or does it seem contrived---a trick played on the reader? Explain your response.

I really did like the ending to this story. It was cute and showed how much they care for each other. It was a bit frustrating when they sold their things to get something for them, but it was quite a memorable thing. This showed them that love is more important than the physical stuff in life.

What do you think this story, written a century ago, has to say about our consumer society today? Do you think some people equate live with money? Consider advertising, the amount of money we spend on gifts, and the value placed on having many possessions.

I think that back then people cared more for each other and the gifts they get people. They considered their love than the money they spent. Now people care more about the money and how much they paid for it.

Coveted

Longed-for

Depreciate

Make something seem less important; lower the value of

Agile

Moving with ease

Author

O.Henry

Nimble

Quickly moving

Ransaking

Searching thoroughly

Discreet

Showing good judgement in what one says or does

Singed

Slightly burned

A contradiction occurs when two statements or situations have opposite meanings. In the last paragraph of the story, the narrator first describes Della and Jim as "foolish children" who "unwisely scarified" their treasures for each other. The narrator then says they are "the wisest" of all who give and receive gifts. How can you explain the contradiction in the narrator's description of the characters?

The contradiction in that they are foolish children is that they sold their things to get stuff for each other. They are the wisest because they bought each other expensive gifts to show that they love each other a lot.

What is the real "gift" referred to in the title?

The real "gift"referred to in the title is gift of their love. The gift of them being together.

An ironic situation is one that turns out to be just the opposite of what we--or the characters in the story expect. Describe the situational irony in this story. What lesson about life and love do you think it teaches Della and Jim?

The situational irony that occurred in the story was that they both sacrificed something to give a present to the other person. Jim sacrificed his pocket watch to get combs for her wife and Della sacrificed her hair to get him a chain for this pocket watch. The lesson that they learn about life and love is that being together is more important than just physical things in life.

What does the Magi refer to?

The three wise men

Instigates

Urges onto some action usually negative or set something in motion

Cascade

Waterfall