20 pages • 40 minutes read
The Gift of the Magi
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Background
Societal Context: Social Norms and Status
“The Gift of the Magi” depicts how crushing societal norms can be on individuals’ happiness and satisfaction. Della and Jim have two main focuses in their life: their love for each other and their position in society. They are obsessed with how they are perceived by others. They live in a run-down apartment, but there’s still a nameplate with Jim’s full name outside the door. Della and Jim’s prized possessions are her hair and his gold watch. Her hair represents her beauty and femininity and is compared with a queen’s jewels: “Della knew her hair was more beautiful than any queen’s jewels and gifts” (2). Jim’s watch is a family heirloom that belonged to his father and grandfather. This is the only time Jim’s family is referenced, which is odd for the epoch when a son’s family gave him social status. Jim and Della’s obsession with their position in society almost crushes their relationship, but their love is so strong that they each sacrifice their position in society for the other.
Authorial Context: William Sydney Porter
O. Henry (1862-1910) was the pen name of William Sydney Porter, a prominent American short story writer. He came to story writing later in life after working at a drugstore and a bank and serving time in prison for embezzlement.
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By O. Henry
