The Gift of the Magi Answers Key unveils the intricate tapestry of O. Henry’s beloved short story, providing a comprehensive guide to its plot, characters, symbolism, and enduring themes. This key unlocks a treasure trove of insights, illuminating the story’s profound exploration of love, sacrifice, and the true meaning of giving.

Delve into the heartwarming tale of Della and Jim, a young couple whose selfless acts of love lead to unexpected consequences. Analyze the story’s rich symbolism and imagery, which evoke powerful emotions and enhance its thematic depth. Discover the central message of the story, a timeless truth that resonates with readers of all ages.

Story Summary

The Gift of the Magi, a short story by O. Henry, centers around a young couple, Della and Jim, who live in a humble apartment in New York City.

With Christmas approaching, both Della and Jim desperately want to buy each other a special gift, but they are both poor. Della has beautiful long hair, which she sells to a wigmaker for $20 to buy Jim a platinum fob chain for his watch.

Meanwhile, Jim sells his prized gold watch to buy Della a set of tortoise-shell hair combs.

When they exchange their gifts on Christmas morning, they realize that they have both sacrificed their most valuable possessions for the other. They laugh and cry at the irony, understanding that their love for each other is more precious than any material gifts.

Character Analysis

Della

Della is a kind and loving wife who is willing to sacrifice her own beauty for her husband. She is resourceful and determined, selling her hair to buy Jim a special gift.

Jim

Jim is a caring and hardworking husband who values his wife’s love above all else. He is selfless and sacrifices his watch to buy Della a beautiful gift.

Symbolism and Imagery

Hair and Combs

Della’s hair and the tortoise-shell combs symbolize her beauty and femininity. By selling her hair, Della sacrifices her vanity for her love of Jim.

Watch and Chain, The gift of the magi answers key

Jim’s watch and the platinum fob chain symbolize his masculinity and time. By selling his watch, Jim sacrifices his time and livelihood for Della.

Christmas

Christmas represents the spirit of giving and love. The irony of the gifts exchanged highlights the true meaning of Christmas, which is not about material possessions but about the love and sacrifice shared between people.

Theme and Meaning

The central theme of “The Gift of the Magi” is that love is more valuable than material possessions. Della and Jim’s sacrifice of their most prized possessions shows that their love for each other is stronger than any material gift.

The story also explores the themes of poverty and the human condition. Della and Jim are both poor, but they are rich in love and kindness. Their story shows that happiness and fulfillment can be found in the simplest of things, such as the love and support of a partner.

Literary Techniques: The Gift Of The Magi Answers Key

Foreshadowing

The story uses foreshadowing to hint at the irony of the gifts. For example, Della thinks that Jim will be angry with her for cutting her hair, but he is actually delighted with her gift.

Irony

The story uses irony to create a humorous and poignant effect. The irony of the gifts exchanged highlights the true meaning of Christmas, which is not about material possessions but about the love and sacrifice shared between people.

Historical and Cultural Context

The story is set in New York City in the early 20th century. At the time, Christmas was a popular holiday, and people often exchanged gifts to show their love and appreciation for each other.

The story reflects the values of the time, which emphasized the importance of family, love, and sacrifice. The story also shows the struggles that many people faced during the early 20th century, such as poverty and unemployment.

Essential FAQs

What is the main conflict in The Gift of the Magi?

The main conflict arises from Della and Jim’s desire to buy each other meaningful Christmas gifts despite their limited financial means.

How does the story explore the theme of love?

The story portrays love as a selfless and sacrificial act, as Della and Jim are willing to give up their most prized possessions for each other’s happiness.

What is the significance of the ending of the story?

The ending reveals the true value of the gifts, which lies not in their material worth but in the love and sacrifice behind them.