gift of the magi literary terms

Gift of the Magi Literary Terms
This Gift of the Magi literary terms synopsis includes the terms referenced
directly from the short story. This well known story, created by O. Henry(William
Sydney Porter) and first published in 1906, shows the selfishness or foolishness of a
young couple at Christmas time. Eager to please the other with a spectacular gift, they
sell their most prized possessions to have enough money to purchase the other a gift.
She sells her hair to buy him a watch fob; he sells his watch to buy her tortoise shell
hair combs.
Understanding the Gift of the Magi Literary Terms
Narrator: The story is told in the third person point of view through a mostly
omniscient narrator.
Setting: The story takes place in New York City. While the setting is not exactly
stated, the author infers this setting by mentioning Coney Island, a well known area
landmark.
Theme: The central idea in this story is the love between Delia and James and the
sacrifices that they make to please the other.
Climax: The most exciting part of the story is when the characters exchange gifts.
Everything in the story leads up to that particular moment.
Resolution: The story wraps up quickly after the climax when the characters realize
what they have sacrificed for each other.
Repetition: The number three figures prominently throughout the story. Parts of the
dialogue, events, characters, and other elements all come in threes. Some examples
include:
• Three characters (Delia, James, Madame Sofronie) with three very valuable
items (hair, watch, love)
• Three magi (Balthasar, Melchior, Gaspar) from three different kingdoms
(Arabia, Persia, India) who offered three gifts (gold, frankincense, myrrh)
• Counting money three times
• Color grey mentioned three times
• Alliteration that comes in threes: sobs, sniffles, smiles; sudden serious
sweetness

• Allusion to the Queen of Sheba known for giving three gifts to King Solomon
Irony: One type of irony can be seen in this story, situational irony. By selling their
most prized possessions to buy something for the other, they wind up selling that
which they need to use the gifts the other has given.
Symbolism
• Biblical Imagery: Three wise men, Queen of Sheba, King Solomon. All of these
characters were financially rich in the Bible, which directly contrasts that of Delia and
Jim’s financial poverty. The juxtaposition most likely is meant to show that the love
Delia and Jim have for each other defines the real meaning of rich.
• Color Imagery: The grey and colorless setting directly contrasts the Christmas
time of year when everything should be sparkling and brightly colored in holiday
decorations.