Question

Q1 Discuss the significance of the title "The Gift of the Magi". [10 Marks]​

Answer 1

Answer:

The significance of the title "The Gift of the Magi" is an allusion to the gifts brought by the three wise men after the birth of Jesus. Just as the gold, frankincense, and myrrh had deeper meanings, the gifts that Jim and Della gave one another have a deeper meaning relating to the magnitude of their love for one another.

Explanation:

In the final paragraph of "The Gift of the Magi," O. Henry refers to the original magi, the three wise men who "invented the art of giving Christmas presents." He contrasts the wisdom of these gift-givers with the folly of Jim and Della, "who most unwisely sacrificed for each other the greatest treasures of their house."

So far, the contrast between ancient wisdom and modern folly is straightforward, but O. Henry then complicates it. Jim and Della have been impractical in the gifts they chose and the sacrifices they made, but their folly contains a wisdom higher than prudence. Their love for one another, and their understanding that this is all that really matters, make them the magi, the wisest people of all.

The true significance of the story's title emerges in this point, and is highlighted by what appears to be a small detail. The title is not "The Gifts of the Magi" but "The Gift of the Magi." It refers, therefore, neither to the gold, frankincense and myrrh brought to the infant Jesus by the three wise men, nor to the combs and the watch-chain Jim and Della bought for one another. The gift which Jesus gave to the magi, and to the world, was love. It is this gift that Jim and Della give to one another, and without which any other gifts are meaningless.

Answer 2

The title is called "The gift of the Magi" because Magi were wise man who used to bring gifts to the new born Child Jesus. They were very much affectionate towards the others besides themselves and were significantly important.

In the Story, O henry used the number three as a important figure. Jesus is the most loving person for the Magi so they made gifts for him. The powers of love and sacrifice are important because it bring a great impact on the people of the story.

However, Henry used conditional irony to glorify the outcome of the story. As per the theme of the story, the gift of Magi is the best when it is filled with love and sacrifice.

Jim sold his watch to buy a comb for Della's hair and Della sold her hair for buying a chain for Jim's watch.

So the moral of the story was all about the love and sacrifice which we can give to other people and make it so important like the Gift of the Magi.

#SPJ2