The Gift of the Magi
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Summary
The Gift of the Magi is a short story by American writer O. Henry, published in 1905. The plot centers around a young couple, Jim and Della, living in extreme poverty. On the eve of Christmas, wishing to give each other gifts, they both sell their most prized possessions. Jim sells his watch to buy Della beautiful combs for her long, lovely hair, while Della cuts and sells her hair to purchase a chain for Jim's watch. Ultimately, the couple discovers that their gifts have become materially useless, yet this realization only strengthens their love and understanding of true self-sacrifice and giving.
Date of publication: 14 May 2024
Last updated: 14 July 2024
———The Gift of the Magi
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Genre: Classical literature