Gold Watch Symbol in O. Henry’s “The Gift of the Magi” Essay

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Jim’s gold watch is a symbol observed in the short story The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry. Jim’s watch, which has managed to pass down through generations, has special meaning for him (Henry, 1906). Jim’s gold watch is Jim’s and Della’s most prized possessions, and their ultimate devotion to this item signifies permanence. The watch symbolizes Jim’s links to the family he was born and raised in, the family he abandons to begin a fresh home with Della his companion. The watch represents time more conventionally, offered by Jim to Della in the period he works to sustain the family and the hours he consumes at household afterward.

The gold watch represents numerous things, including love, transparency, money, as well as eternity since gold does not rust or tarnish. The gold in this story signifies divine nature, such as Jesus, since it is a Christmas story. A watch is an essential tool that changes how the owner experiences and interprets time. It can also serve as a bleak reminder of upcoming appointments throughout the day. The watch in the narrative can represent time, the couple’s future around each other, the completion of the year, or eternity. It could symbolize maturation from dreamy youths to grown-up and generous adults.

If someone had to write about me, a simple pigeon could serve as a symbol. This symbolism is because pigeons represent fertility and success, prosperity, good fortune, and transformation. These birds signify endurance, peace and well-being, compassion, forgiveness, and liberty. Like a pigeon, I prefer harmony to arguments, and I cannot fight troublemakers; instead, I prefer to leave the area of distress. I am terrified of prominent, influential people, especially those who use words to bully. I like simplicity over perfection in my work, and I am afraid of violence. I always pay attention to my work without trying to compete with anyone.

Reference

Henry, O. (1906). The Gift of the Magi. American literature.com. Web.

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IvyPanda. "Gold Watch Symbol in O. Henry’s “The Gift of the Magi”." March 16, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/gold-watch-symbol-in-o-henrys-gift-of-the-magi/.

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