The Gift of the Magi is a short story written by O. Henry, first published in 1905. It tells the tale of a young couple, Jim and Della, who are deeply in love but have very little money. Despite their financial struggles, they are determined to find the perfect Christmas gifts for each other.
One of the most famous quotes from the story is: "The magi, as you know, were wise men--wonderfully wise men--who brought gifts to the Babe in the manger. They invented the art of giving Christmas presents." This quote highlights the theme of selflessness and sacrifice in the story, as Jim and Della are willing to give up their most prized possessions in order to show their love for each other.
Another notable quote is: "The gold watch had been her [Della's] grandfather's and her father's before her. It was the chain that Della had parted with to buy Jim's present. It had been her mother's, and her grandmother's before her." This quote illustrates the sentimental value of the gifts that Jim and Della give each other, as they both give up something that has been passed down through their families for generations.
A third quote that stands out is: "They were the wisest people in the world, both of them, and they possessed the sense of family loyalty and duty in a way that few other people ever had." This quote speaks to the deep love and devotion that Jim and Della have for each other, and how they are willing to go to great lengths to show it.
Overall, the quotes from The Gift of the Magi serve to highlight the themes of selflessness, sacrifice, and love in the story. They demonstrate the lengths that Jim and Della are willing to go to in order to express their love for each other, and the enduring bond that exists between them.
Sacrifice Theme in The Gift of the Magi
How was he supposed to deal with this situation? Many a happy hour she had spent planning for something nice for him. Eight dollars a week or a million a year—what is the difference? This results in external conflict when Jim sees her that evening and looks at her strangely. But in a last word to the wise of these days let it be said that of all who give gifts these two were the wisest. The significance of the magi is summed up in the last paragraph, as the narrator compares Della and Jim to the magi who invented the art of gift giving, suggesting that the value of a gift lies in the intent, the level of generosity, and the sacrifice behind it, rather than its material value. Standing in his goddamn front yard.
The Necklace / The Gift of the Magi Quotes Flashcards
James Dillingham Young, already introduced to you as Della. Be good to me, for it went for you. Their gifts cannot be used for their original purpose, but both Della and Jim know of their love and sacrifice for each other. Hair Goods of All Kinds. In order to overcome their poverty and to give a good Christmas present to the other, each sacrifices the item that they value the most. Della and Jim each gave up their own personal, most valuable possession to make the other person happy on Christmas. Context: After losing the necklace and the little money she had, Madame Loisel had to become what she was afraid of, an average poor woman.
9 Quotes to Explain "Who Are The Magi?"
But in a last word to the wise of these days let it be said that of all who give gifts these two were the wisest. But in a last word to the wise of these days let it be said that of all who give gifts these two were the wisest. Which is all very good. Then, to show his gratitude, King Solomon granted her everything she desired. Beautiful combs, pure tortoise shell, with jewelled rims—just the shade to wear in the beautiful vanished hair. There was no other like it in any of the stores, and she had turned all of them inside out. What type of star was that which the Magi saw and followed? With that chain on his watch Jim might be properly anxious about the time in any company.
The Gift of the Magi Quotes
Which is all very good. As he composed himself, Chassie fired a sardonic look at Edgard. Della has to solve her urgent problem by Christmas, which is only one day away. The narrator After Della explains her rationale for selling her hair to Jim, the narrator pauses the action of the story to contemplate the validity of tying worth to money. Had King Solomon been the janitor, with all his treasures piled up in the basement, Jim would have pulled out his watch every time he passed, just to see him pluck at his beard from envy.
