Both “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry and “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant have numerous similarities and differences, all of which help define each short story and their themes. The main differences and similarities between “The Gift of the Magi” and “The Necklace” are the different aspects of pride, the acts of selflessness, and the kind of relationships both of the couples in the stories have. These differences and similarities help define the themes of love, sacrifice, and pride in both “The Gift of the Magi” and “The Necklace”. Pride is a huge part of both “The Gift of the Magi” and “The Necklace”, however, in “The Gift of the Magi”, what many would view as pride, is actually an optimistic attitude and a psychological refusal to
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In “The Gift of the Magi”, Jim and Della’s relationship is based solely on true love and adoration for each other. They love each other, not for what the other possesses or for their appearance, but for them and them alone. Della stated, “Maybe the hairs of my head were numbered…but nobody could ever count my love for you.” Jim said, “I don’t think there’s anything in the way of a haircut or a shave or a shampoo that could make me like my girl any less.” On the other hand, in “The Necklace”, Monsieur and Madame Loisel’s relationship is a one-way relationship – Monsieur Loisel is doing his best to please Madame Loisel yet she is never satisfied. “She had no clothes, no jewels, nothing…these were the only things she loved” (Maupassant 1). All throughout “The Necklace”, Monsieur is constantly showing his affection for Madame Loisel, but to her all that matters is whether she can have all that she wants – jewels upon jewels, endless closets full of lavish clothing, meals fit for a king, and an uncountable number of servants to cater to her every need. In conclusion, these aspects of “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry, and “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant clearly show the differences and similarities between these two stories. Pride is a gigantic part of both “The Gift of the Magi” and “The Necklace”, however, in “The Gift of the Magi”, what many would view as pride, is actually a positive approach on life. Selflessness is also a huge part in “The Gift of the Magi” and “The Necklace, however, it shows more so in “The Gift of the Magi” because all of the characters displayed acts of
In “The Gift of the Magi”, Jim and Della’s relationship is based solely on true love and adoration for each other. They love each other, not for what the other possesses or for their appearance, but for them and them alone. Della stated, “Maybe the hairs of my head were numbered…but nobody could ever count my love for you.” Jim said, “I don’t think there’s anything in the way of a haircut or a shave or a shampoo that could make me like my girl any less.” On the other hand, in “The Necklace”, Monsieur and Madame Loisel’s relationship is a one-way relationship – Monsieur Loisel is doing his best to please Madame Loisel yet she is never satisfied. “She had no clothes, no jewels, nothing…these were the only things she loved” (Maupassant 1). All throughout “The Necklace”, Monsieur is constantly showing his affection for Madame Loisel, but to her all that matters is whether she can have all that she wants – jewels upon jewels, endless closets full of lavish clothing, meals fit for a king, and an uncountable number of servants to cater to her every need. In conclusion, these aspects of “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry, and “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant clearly show the differences and similarities between these two stories. Pride is a gigantic part of both “The Gift of the Magi” and “The Necklace”, however, in “The Gift of the Magi”, what many would view as pride, is actually a positive approach on life. Selflessness is also a huge part in “The Gift of the Magi” and “The Necklace, however, it shows more so in “The Gift of the Magi” because all of the characters displayed acts of