Introduction
All people are familiar with the problem of finding gifts for loved ones on the eve of Christmas. This problem can only become more serious if money is needed. This is precisely the situation in which Della found herself in O. Henry. The Gift of the Magi tells the story of two lovers who sacrifice valuable things for themselves for the sake of their beloved. Della cut her hair to get paid for it, and Jim sold his favorite watch. O. Henry showed that true love is more valuable than money because lovers will find a way to make their partner happy.
Discussion
Love requires sacrifice and compromise, and the willingness to do this is the test of loyalty. Della wanted to make Jim happy because Christmas is an important holiday, and she greatly loved her partner. How much she appreciates Jim can be seen from the words about how Della planned her gift “Something almost worth the honor of belonging to Jim” (Henry, 2009, p. 2). Jim also sacrificed what was very important to him for the sake of Della. “The James Dillingham Youngs were very proud of two things which they owned” (Henry, 2009, p. 2). As it turned out, at the end of the story, Jim was left without both of his favorite things because he sold his watch, and Della sold her hair.
In fact, the gifts in this story are not watches and combs but love and self-sacrifice. The author himself says at the end, “But let me speak a last word to the wise of these days: Of all who give gifts, these two were the most wise” (Henry, 2009, p. 6). O. Henry does not use the Magi in the title because he mentions, “Being wise, their gifts were doubtless wise ones” (Henry, 2009, p. 6). Selflessness is a fundamental trait in a person, without which it is impossible to build good relationships.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the story of O. Henry teaches that true love can conquer everything. All problems and obstacles are much easier to overcome with loved ones together. If people don’t behave selfishly, they get the same treatment in return. Sometimes you have to sacrifice something very important for yourself, as Jim and Della did, but in the end, someone will do the same for you.
Reference
Henry, O. (2009). The Gift of the Magi. The Floating Press.