O. Henry officially released The Gift of the Magi in 1906. His most enormous success, The Gift of the Magi, exhibits all of the key O. Henry characteristics in excess. It sheds light on the pervasive selfishness in the community as well. It may also be seen as a criticism of the sorrows and difficulties faced by the middle and lower classes as they attempt to deal with their unstable economic situations. When you read our entire blog you will get to know clearly what is the setting of The Gift of the Magi, the characters in The Gift of Magi, and the main conflict of the story The Gift of Magi. Let’s explore into the world of Magi!
1. Who are the Characters in The Gift of Magi?
There are 3 characters in The Gift of Magi:
- Della Young: The protagonist of the story is Della, who is kind, compassionate, altruistic, and sometimes frantic. Della is not wealthy. and works as a housewife who spends her time in a little apartment.
- Jim: Jim is the husband of Della.
- Madame Sofronie: She is the owner of the hair shop.
2. Who is the Main Character in the Story of The Gift of the Magi?
In The Gift of the Magi, both Jim and Della are the primary characters as all they desire is to gift their partner with something for Christmas. (See Does Peeta die in The Hunger Games?)
3. What is the Plot of the Story the Gift of Magi?
After learning about the characters in The Gift of the Magi, let us now dig into their plot. The plot of the story The Gift of Magi is remarkable and provocative because of the characters, concept, and humor. The plot explains how a young and poor married couple desires to gift their significant other something for Christmas. Both characters own something which is very precious to them; for Della, it’s her hair and for Jim, it’s his ancestral watch.
However, both of them sell these off to buy a gift for their partner. The classic O Henry twist, however, shows us how they both end up buying something which is related to their hair or watches. This tale shows the immense selfless love between the couple and O. Henry’s deft use of sarcasm is the cherry on the cake in this story. Check out the Story of an Hour themes.
4. What is the Setting of The Gift of the Magi?
O. Henry’s writings are renowned for unexpected and twisted conclusions, lighthearted and upbeat sense of irony, and the emotional sensitivity that permeates much of them. The story’s depiction of selfless love and the audiences resonating with this emotion is one of the main explanations for its long-standing attraction. The narrative, which was penned in the nineteenth century, emphasizes the financial unrest of the period.
Now that we are aware of its plot, let us also learn about what is the setting of The Gift of the Magi. New York is the setting of The Gift of the Magi. It is set in the early 1900s and to engage the reader’s attention toward the central plot of the story, O’ Henry provides a very detailed description of their flat. Additionally, the apartment’s specifics give the scene a more authentic sense and we can relate to the people. (See Pinocchio Story Summary)
5. How does the Setting Contribute to the Theme of the Story?
Since you have read the summary and the setting of The Gift of the Magi, you can tell that a tale’s setting is crucial since it informs the reader about the period, location, and area in which the story unfolds. Additionally, it is essential since it enhances the viewer’s perspective and advances the story’s characterization, atmosphere, and storyline. (See What is the Theme of The Masque of the Red Death?)
6. What is the Climax of the Story The Gift of the Magi?
The turning point in this narrative occurs whenever Jim returns from work. He stood motionless at his home after discovering that his wife already had her new haircut off, displaying no signs of outrage, astonishment, or displeasure. She then informs her husband that she chopped it off to buy something for her husband.
The final climax turns up when he shows her the comb that he bought for her. A similar shock is displayed in Della when she realized that the chain that she bought for Jim’s watch will be of no use as he had sold it off. (See What is The Cask of Amontillado All About?)
7. What is the Main Conflict of the Story The Gift of Magi?
After diving into the plot of The Gift of the Magi, let us also understand the conflict of this story. Della’s inability to gather sufficient money to purchase the gift for Jim that she believes he deserves is the main conflict of the story, The Gift of the Magi. Must read How many Harry Potter books are there?
8. Who is the Narrator in the Story the Gift of the Magi?
The story exclusively surrounds Della and is narrated in the 3rd person which is basically perceived by an anonymous narrator. (See How this Book was Made?)
9. What Type of Character is Jim in The Gift of the Magi?
Jim’s work is not very good. Jim’s character, however, displays contentment, calm, and a desire to do anything for his wife Della.
10. What is Jim’s Full Name in The Gift of the Magi?
James Dillingham Young is the full name of Jim in The Gift of the Magi. (See Why did Dumbledore have to Die in Harry Potter?)