It has been said that the relationship between Della and Jim in “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry is a truly unselfish love relationship. Many people aspire to that kind of relationship for themselves. Others say that people as poor as Della and Jim have no business spending money on such frivolous and unnecessary things like a watch fob and hair combs. They would say that the couple should be saving for a home or for a “rainy day.”
In your essay, take a position on this question. You may write about either one of the two points of view given, or you may present a different point of view on this question. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.
The one who gives everything often has the most to lose. The giver is rarely reimbursed. The most selfless is seldom the most prudent. The account of Della and Jim presented in “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry is what one would consider a rather countercultural story. While the story takes place in a rather bleak setting, focusing on the dreary is not the central focus. Instead, the narration acknowledges the altogether disappointing situation of its two primary characters all the while highlighting the good nature of true unselfishness and love. These two virtues, which serve as the allegorical backbone of both the narrative and the characters’ relationship, are often sacrificed in the modern age, exchanged for practicality and a more survivalist mindset. When looked at rationally, the decision of either protagonist is undoubtedly one of absurdity and general senselessness. And while practicality and survivalism are not inherently bad, they are lacking of the sort of heart intrinsic to the human soul. The money acquired during the purchases made by either character could have very clearly been put to a greater use. Despite this, both defy logic because human beings, quite simply, are not purely logical. It is the reason that this story is poignant and memorable. Readers relate to the borderline naive escapism of its principal characters, who revel in moments of togetherness where they simply share in each other and their rather bittersweet sort of happiness. Of course the decisions made by the two are both illogical and unwise, but that does not mean the decisions are void of reason. It is a contentedness that inspires hope for a better future while trying to create something in the present. It breathes in a way few pieces do. It is honest and helplessly hopeful in perhaps the saddest way possible. The story of Della and Jim exudes this sort of quiet found in few places while affirming that the gift of giving is given in simplicity.
ReplyDeleteLove, one of the most misunderstood emotions of today. In a society where everyone is focused on themselves Della and Jim's selflessness can easily be taken for idiocy. I, on the other hand, find this type of love as something to be seen as inspiring. Sure, being cautious about your financial situation is important, but we are also told to be selfless during the Christmas season. Jim and Della really embody this Christmas spirit. Without knowing it, they sold their prized possessions in order to buy a nice gift for the other. They were as selfless as someone can be. Think of it this way, not many of us are willing to cut off all of our hair for someone, or sell something passed down through their family for years. This is the type of selfless love we are told to have for someone else, yet our controversial society sees this and judges them for doing this rather than keeping that money to get them out of their poverty. If you think of it in a different way it seems sweeter. They still had a life for themselves before all that money, and they didn't just waste it and make themselves poorer. In this way, I think Della and Jim's love for each other was a beautiful and selfless kind.
ReplyDeleteIt’s true that sometimes there is an underrated sort of tenderness present in acts of true love and charity. And you’re absolutely correct in that many of us would be unwilling to exemplify that same kind of charity and kindness, even for someone we do love.
DeleteLove is love it doesn’t matter if you are poor or if you have money. Love means sacrifice, you do what ever you can for the person you love even if you have to give something up for yourself. Della and Jim in “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry are the perfect examples for situations like this. Della who loved her hair and was proud of it but wanted nothing else than to get her Jim something special for Christmas. She had very little money, less than two dollars to be exact how was she supposed to get Jim the perfect Christmas present? Not everyone is as poor and Della but just about everyone struggles to buy someone they love the perfect gift. Instead of using the very little money she had to buy Jim a gift he wouldn’t like she did something amazing and sacrificed her own appearance. Della cut off her beautiful hair for twenty dollars so she could use it for Jim’s Christmas gift. She was very selfless for doing this and got Jim something she knew would mean a lot so him. She however was worried that Jim wouldn’t like her anymore without her long hair. This just showed Jim how much she loved him, she risked a lot. Some say she should’ve saved her money instead of spending it on pointless gifts. I however don’t agree I believe that Della and Jim did the right thing by getting each other gifts. You don’t need an abundance of money to love someone so why would they save money?
ReplyDeleteShannon, while I do appreciate your approach to this by way of the importance of a giving spirit, I think (and I am sure you also understand) that the issue of whether or not this decision was wise is a little more nuanced. Yes, you do not need “an abundance of money to love”, but to say that that is reason enough to be as reckless as this is a little callow. I guess in the end, it is really a matter of decision based on the values that one holds. If you are willing to make sacrifices for love, that’s quite clearly a choice that will come with consequences.
DeleteThe story of “The Gift of the Magi” embodies the conflict between material value and intrinsic value, selfishness and selflessness, any conflicts along those lines. There is a general acceptance, and even encouragement, among society that being selfless and “giving” is only moral and right, a quality that all people should try to uphold. This is exemplified by the actions and the love between Della and Jim. The extent this couple goes to reveal their love for one another is staggering, though, in contrast to the comparably weak societal encouragement to give, this couple - despite financial tribulations - base their lives on selflessness in pursuit of unveiling their mutual and strong love. Love trumps material possession, love defines the livelihood of this couple. An argument can be made that this is completely meaningless but, agreeably, it is thought-provoking and admirable. Della and Jim bought each other gifts, a respectable and virtuous act that only meant sacrificing money. Wasting or using, however one might re-brand this story, its intents are clear: love means everything, and can even be placed above personal fortune, to some people.
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