The Gift of the Magi

1
The Gift of the Magi

• O. Henry

2
Allusion

• Reference to well-known person, place, event,
  literary work, work of art

3

• Characterization Jim Della married couple
• not a lot of ? barely making ends meet
• D truly loves her husband shes upset because
  she only has 1.87 to buy J a Christmas present
  (thinks its not enough for a good present)

4

• Possessions J D have 2 possessions they
  cherish, make them feel pride in themselves
• The Watch (heirloom from Js father
  grandfather)
• The Hair (Ds, long, beautiful, luxurious hair)
• Allusions rich royalty jealous of J Ds
  possessions (thats how wonderful they are)

5

• Sacrifice D loves J so much, wants so badly to
  give him a good present, that she cuts off
  sells The Hair (20) to buy J The Chain for The
  Watch
• D willing to give up her most cherished
  possession for J

6

• Does J really need The Chain for The Watch?
• Practical gift would have been coat gloves ?
  winter in NYC cold
• Ds worry will J still think shes pretty? Will
  J still love her?

7

• Hallmark Card moment Maybe the hairs of my head
  were numbered, but nobody could ever count my
  love for you.
• Translation D truly loves J

8

• Js present for D The Combs (beautiful
  accessories for The Hair)
• Practical gift? Does D really need The Combs for
  The Hair?

9

• Sacrifice J loves D so much, wants so badly to
  give her a good present, that he sells The Watch
  to buy D The Combs for The Hair
• J willing to give up her most cherished
  possession for D

10

• Allusion Magi 3 wise men who brought gifts to
  baby Jesus
• Gold ( for baby?)
• Frankincense (spices for baby?)
• Myrrh (perfume for baby?)
• Magi, J D truly wise because they know what
  really matters Its the Thought that Counts.

11
Irony

• Difference btwn expectation reality
• 1 Verbal Irony ? meaning of words opposite of
  what is intended
• 2 Situational Irony ? outcome of actions
  opposite of what is intended
• 3 Dramatic Irony ? audience knows something
  that characters dont