"The Gift of the Magi" is a short story by O. Henry first published in 1905. The story tells of a young husband and wife and how they deal with the challenge of buying secret Christmas gifts for each other with very little money. As a sentimental story with a moral lesson about gift-giving, it has been popular for adaptation, especially for presentation at Christmas time. The plot and its twist ending are well known; the ending is generally considered an example of cosmic irony. The story was allegedly written at Pete's Tavern on Irving Place in New York City.
"The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry is a short story that revolves around the theme of love and sacrifice. The plot unfolds as follows:
The story is set in a small apartment where a young married couple, Jim and Della Young, live. They are deeply in love but live a modest and financially challenging life. Their love and affection for each other are the most precious things in their lives.
As Christmas approaches, Jim and Della both want to buy a special gift for the other to express their love and appreciation. However, they face a significant obstacle: their limited financial means. Della has beautiful long hair, which is her most prized possession, while Jim has a cherished pocket watch that has been handed down through his family.
Della is determined to buy Jim a meaningful gift, so she decides to sell her hair to a wig-maker. She receives a sum of money for her hair and uses it to purchase a platinum fob chain for Jim's pocket watch. She believes that this gift will be a fitting and valuable accessory for his prized possession.
Meanwhile, Jim is also determined to give Della a special gift. He decides to sell his pocket watch to raise money to buy combs for Della's hair, which she has just sold. He believes that these combs will adorn her beautiful hair, not knowing that she has cut and sold it.
On Christmas day, both Jim and Della excitedly exchange their gifts. It is at this moment that they discover the sacrifices they have made for each other. Della presents Jim with the fob chain for the watch he no longer possesses, and Jim gives Della the combs for her hair, which she has cut. Both are initially shocked and saddened by the irony of the situation.
However, as they realize the depth of each other's sacrifice and the love that led to those sacrifices, they also understand that their love and devotion are more valuable than any material possessions. Their love and selflessness are the true gifts they have given each other.
"The Gift of the Magi" is a touching and heartwarming story that conveys the message that true love involves sacrifice and that the most precious gifts are those that come from the heart. It has become a classic tale that continues to resonate with readers and audiences, especially during the holiday season.
Character Study:
Jim:
Jim, whose full name is James Dillingham Young, is one of the main characters in O. Henry's short story "The Gift of the Magi." Here are some key characteristics that define his character:
1. Loving and Devoted:
Jim is deeply in love with his wife, Della. His actions throughout the story demonstrate his devotion to her. He wants to find the perfect Christmas gift for her and is willing to make a significant sacrifice to make her happy.
2. Responsible:
Jim is portrayed as a responsible and caring husband. He works hard to provide for their household, even though they have limited financial means. His pocket watch, a family heirloom, symbolizes his sense of responsibility and heritage.
3. Sacrificial:
Like Della, Jim is willing to make a significant sacrifice for the sake of their love. He decides to sell his prized pocket watch to buy combs for Della's hair, believing that it will enhance her beauty.
4. Realistic:
Jim is also portrayed as a practical and realistic individual. He recognizes the financial constraints they face and understands the value of their possessions. He does not blame Della for her decision to sell her hair and appreciates her gift deeply.
5. Sensitive:
Jim is sensitive to Della's feelings and desires. He understands the sentimental value of her gift and appreciates the thought and sacrifice behind it, even though their gifts have become unusable.
6. Symbol of Masculine Virtue:
In the story, Jim represents traditional masculine virtues such as responsibility and the willingness to make sacrifices for one's family. His character embodies the idea of a loving and selfless husband.
7. Resigned:
Jim's reaction to the unexpected outcome of their gift exchange is one of acceptance and love. He recognizes that their love is more important than any material possession and that their sacrifices are a testament to their affection for each other.
Jim's character complements Della's in illustrating the central theme of love and sacrifice in the story. His actions reflect the idea that true love is selfless and that the value of a gift lies not in its material worth but in the sentiment and sacrifice behind it. Jim's character is a timeless representation of a devoted husband willing to make personal sacrifices for the happiness of his wife.
Della:
Della Young is one of the main characters in O. Henry's short story "The Gift of the Magi." She is a young woman who is deeply in love with her husband, Jim. Here are some key characteristics that define her character:
1. Loving and Devoted:
Della's most prominent trait is her deep love and devotion to her husband, Jim. She is willing to go to great lengths to find the perfect Christmas gift for him, even if it means sacrificing her most prized possession, her long, beautiful hair.
2. Selfless:
Della's selflessness is evident in her decision to sell her hair to buy a gift for Jim. She is willing to give up something she values greatly to make him happy.
3. Resourceful:
Della is resourceful and determined. When faced with financial limitations, she comes up with a creative solution to acquire the money needed to buy the gift. Her decision to sell her hair to a wig-maker shows her resourcefulness.
4. Empathetic:
Della is attuned to Jim's feelings and desires. She understands the sentimental value of his pocket watch and wants to enhance it with a meaningful gift. Her empathy and consideration for his feelings drive her actions.
5. Symbol of Feminine Virtue:
In the story, Della represents traditional feminine virtues such as self-sacrifice and the willingness to put her husband's happiness above her own. Her character embodies the idea of a loving and selfless wife.
6. Resilient:
Della remains hopeful and resilient throughout the story, even when faced with the unexpected outcome of their gift exchange. She understands the true value of their love and finds strength in their relationship.
Della's character is pivotal to the story's central theme of love and sacrifice. Her actions and choices illustrate the depth of her love for Jim and exemplify the idea that the true value of a gift lies not in its material worth but in the sentiment behind it. Della's character is a timeless symbol of selfless love and the willingness to make personal sacrifices for the happiness of a loved one.
The Last Leaf:
Summary:
The story is set in Greenwich Village during a pneumonia epidemic. It tells the story of an old artist who saves the life of a young neighbouring artist, dying of pneumonia, by giving her the will to live. Through her window she can see an old ivy creeper (growing on a nearby wall), gradually shedding its leaves as autumn turns into winter, and she has taken the thought into her head that she will die when the last leaf falls. The leaves fall day by day, but the last lone leaf stays on for several days. The ill woman's health quickly recovers. At the story's end, we learn that the old artist, who always wanted to produce a masterpiece painting but had never had any success, spent considerable time painting with great realism a leaf on the wall for the whole night. Furthermore, the old artist himself dies of pneumonia contracted while being out in the wet and cold.
The scene of the story of "The Last Leaf" is the Greenwich artist colony in New York City. Over the past century, it has developed from a poor literati settlement to a world-famous art center and tourist attraction.
Characters:
Sue:
Sue's character in this story is portrayed as a devoted and caring friend. Several aspects of her character contribute to this portrayal:
1. Sensitivity and Concern:
Sue is deeply attuned to Johnsy's emotional and physical well-being. She notices Johnsy's fixation on the falling leaves and is concerned about its impact on her friend's health. Sue's sensitivity to Johnsy's mental state demonstrates her emotional intelligence and care for her friend.
2. Supportive Actions:
Sue takes practical steps to support Johnsy. She engages with the doctor to understand Johnsy's condition, tries to distract her with work, and even lies about the chances of her recovery to provide hope. Sue's actions reflect her commitment to doing whatever it takes to help her friend.
3. Emotional Resilience:
Despite her own fears and worries, Sue maintains emotional resilience. She cries in private but puts on a brave front in front of Johnsy, attempting to uplift her spirits. This emotional strength is a key characteristic of a supportive friend.
4. Selflessness:
Sue's concern extends beyond herself. She is willing to sacrifice her own time and well-being to ensure Johnsy's comfort. This is evident when she asks Behrman to pose as a model and later when she stays by Johnsy's side, even when she could have chosen to work in another room.
5. Optimism and Encouragement:
Sue tries to inject positivity into Johnsy's outlook. Despite the doctor's grim prognosis, Sue chooses to emphasize hope and encouragement. This optimistic attitude reflects Sue's belief in the power of a positive mindset in the healing process.
Sue's character is defined by her compassion, selflessness, and unwavering support for her friend during a challenging time. Her actions and emotional strength contribute significantly to the development of the narrative and underscore the importance of friendship and support in overcoming adversity.
Johnsy:
Johnsy's character in the story is marked by a complex emotional journey, influenced by illness and a unique perspective on life. Several key aspects define Johnsy's character:
1. Artistic Sensitivity:
Johnsy is an artist with a deep appreciation for nature. Her desire to paint the Bay of Naples reflects her artistic aspirations and her connection to beauty and creativity.
2. Vulnerability and Illness:
The story portrays Johnsy as physically weak and vulnerable due to pneumonia. Her illness becomes a metaphor for her emotional fragility and the transient nature of life.
3. Mental Struggle:
Johnsy's fixation on the falling leaves is a central aspect of her character. She associates her own fate with the last ivy leaf, creating a symbolic connection between her life and the changing seasons. This fixation reflects a profound internal struggle and a contemplation of mortality.
4. Desire for Release:
Johnsy's desire to "go sailing down, down, just like one of those poor, tired leaves" suggests a yearning for release from suffering. Her perspective on life becomes increasingly fatalistic as she counts the falling leaves and awaits her own demise.
5. Moment of Revelation:
Towards the end of the story, there's a shift in Johnsy's perspective. When she realizes that the last leaf has not fallen despite the storm, she interprets it as a sign of hope and a reason to live. This moment marks a turning point in her character, revealing her capacity for resilience and the potential to find meaning in unexpected places.
6. Regret and Redemption:
Johnsy's acknowledgment that she has been a "bad girl" and her desire to live and paint the Bay of Naples indicate a shift in her attitude. This suggests a sense of regret for her previous thoughts of wanting to die and a newfound appreciation for life and its possibilities.
Johnsy's character is characterized by a blend of vulnerability, artistic sensitivity, and a profound internal struggle. The narrative explores her journey from a place of despair and fatalism to a moment of redemption and renewed appreciation for life, emphasizing the transformative power of hope and the unexpected sources from which it may arise.
No comments:
Post a Comment