Gift Of The Magi
In the verses of Matthew 6: 19 - 21 and Matthew 22: 37 - 39, the Bible proclaims how we should live our lives. The actions of the main character in "Gift of the Magi" clearly exemplifies these verses. However, the actions and deeds of the main character in "The Necklace" are and example of how not to live. In "The Gift of the Magi," Della serves as a role model for the Principles of Matthew, however, in "The Necklace," Mathilda is only concerned with her own selfish needs, therefore contradicting the Bible.
The actions of Della in the "Gift of the Magi" clearly exemplify the Principles of Matthew. Though her hair was her most prized possession, she gave it up for the man she loved (Henry). These actions not only show how much she cares for
others but that she would sacrifice for others as well. In doing so, she has brought a whole new meaning to "loving your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22: 37 - 39). Even more so, she believes in sentimental value more than a price tag with an example of this being when she compared their belongings to the belongings of rich men and women in the Bible. To her, a gift to her husband and his smile was more than enough for her. Through this, she has stored more treasure in Heaven than she would have on Earth.
However, in the case of Mathilda, she has directly contradicted the Bible and the Book of Matthew in numerous ways. One of these is the way she views her life, calling it "dowry" and her and her husband "poor". Instead of being thankful for what she has, she always wants more. Therefore, she cares more about treasure on Earth than in Heaven. As a direct result of her greed, she had to work ten years in order to get back the necklace that she lost. When in reality, if she had just told her friend what had happened none of those events would've happened in the first place. In the end, her greed ultimately caused he to suffer.
Overall, the thoughts, words and actions of Della exemplify the Bible while Mathilda's directly contradicts it. With her actions, Della clearly walks with God. However, with her actions, Mathilda is the exact opposite. Therefore, while the stories may be similar, the characters are distinctly different in their walk with God.
The actions of Della in the "Gift of the Magi" clearly exemplify the Principles of Matthew. Though her hair was her most prized possession, she gave it up for the man she loved (Henry). These actions not only show how much she cares for
others but that she would sacrifice for others as well. In doing so, she has brought a whole new meaning to "loving your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22: 37 - 39). Even more so, she believes in sentimental value more than a price tag with an example of this being when she compared their belongings to the belongings of rich men and women in the Bible. To her, a gift to her husband and his smile was more than enough for her. Through this, she has stored more treasure in Heaven than she would have on Earth.
However, in the case of Mathilda, she has directly contradicted the Bible and the Book of Matthew in numerous ways. One of these is the way she views her life, calling it "dowry" and her and her husband "poor". Instead of being thankful for what she has, she always wants more. Therefore, she cares more about treasure on Earth than in Heaven. As a direct result of her greed, she had to work ten years in order to get back the necklace that she lost. When in reality, if she had just told her friend what had happened none of those events would've happened in the first place. In the end, her greed ultimately caused he to suffer.
Overall, the thoughts, words and actions of Della exemplify the Bible while Mathilda's directly contradicts it. With her actions, Della clearly walks with God. However, with her actions, Mathilda is the exact opposite. Therefore, while the stories may be similar, the characters are distinctly different in their walk with God.