Summary of "The Gift of the Magi" Essay

My favorite short story was "The Gift of the Magi." This lovely short story took place in the apartment of the two main characters named Della and Jim. Their apartment was very small, with only two windows. I felt that the physical setting was not that important. What is more important about the setting is the time, which is Christmas Eve. This is important in the story because it showed us the desperation that these two couples had when it came to buying a gift for one another. Della was willing to sacrifice something that was worth a lot to her to get her husband something nice for the holiday. When she got her hair cut, she made Jim's gift to her useless. He bought her hair combs to hold up her beautiful, long hair. Now they were of no use. The irony on top of that was very important because Jim sold his watch so he could get money to purchase an expensive comb for his wife Della. This irony is the twist in the plot because both couples sacrificed something very important to themselves so they could purchase something special for each other. And I learned that this is true love.
In "The Gift of the Magi," O Henry examines the nature of love through the development of characters and plot throughout the story. Jim and Della sacrificed their most valued possessions to buy a Christmas gift for each other. There was definitely an irony presented, as well, in what they gave up and what they received from each other. I have not read many stories that had an ironic twist, but it is a common literary element in stories and it should be used because I feel that it makes the story more enjoyable and interesting. Also, I love reading stories that have unexpected endings, and this story certainly does. O Henry was well known for his surprise endings. This usual strategy makes him an interesting author to read. I have enjoyed learning about him this semester.
One of my favorite things about the short story was the fact that it was brief and concise, and could be read in a single sitting. All information is provided to us, and it relates directly to the main plot. In other words, the story was presented in a way that makes it easy to follow and I believe that this what made this story so successful. After reading the story, I experienced a sense of irony in the story. The story has a linear plot, a clear setting, a few characters (which made it easier to know which one is who), and a theme. All of these elements combined to create a masterpiece of this short story "The Gift of the Magi". To me, the qualities that this good story possesses are one of the most important things I have learned in this class and is proven by the fact that we still think about it after we have finished it.