Devotional And Selflessness In The Gift Of The Magi By O. Henry

In “The Gift of The Magi,” by O. Henry, it demonstrates the use of characterization within, to generalize the importance of how to be devotional and selfless. As this story goes it tells the struggle a couple of poor status has in finding each other the perfect gift for the holidays. Even when there is little money, they nevertheless can be seen giving up their most value of possessions, which demonstrates the selfless actions of the characters. This important behavioral act of sacrifice shows how characters’ actions, thoughts, and overall characteristics by giving each other the most selfless gifts shapes the message O. Henry makes in his story.
As thoughts are seen through the head of only Della’s, her characterizations of thoughts are seen throughout the story. With there being no money for her to spend on Jim, she seeks out other ways of making money to pay for the gift he would desire. Showing Della’s struggle to find money she says it must be, “[rare and sterling]” to show that it is made to look expensive enough to, “be worthy of the honor [of] being Jim’s”(5). This being her thoughts on how the gift …show more content…
Having Della search relentlessly for the gift creates a mood for readers and others in the story to see how her characterization is depicted. By also having Della be determined in her actions does she finally find the gift that “must be Jim’s” and concludes the relentless search (13). By doing this the author reveals at the end that not only does her characterization overshoot that of modern times but also is made out to be a role model for how selflessness should be. As the Henry ends off he describes Della and Jim as, “they are the magi” (34) which shows the ending with the two being the new embodiment of how to be the selfless and free giving. By doing this Henry shows the message he is trying to convey using characters in his