Gift Of The Magi Critical Analysis
Courtney Milton
McFarland
ENC 1102
January 2, 2015
Archetypal Critical Theory: Gift of the Magi
In literature, symbolism is crucial to portray the author’s vision for the story. Each ornament presented through the story line can be viewed as a symbol that can potentially be related to the literature. Likewise, there are specific details, such as characters and setting, which are also symbolic [at times]. O. Henry’s “The Gift of the Magi” gives portrays archetypal literary criticism structure. Henry’s piece of literature contain numerous accounts of symbolic ornaments that can be considered an allusion or directly symbolic to “The Gift of the Magi.”
O. Henry’s, “The Gift of the Magi” shows proof of archetypal literary criticism by portraying the conflict of the story, and showing reference to the Christmas theme of “sacrifice.” Jim and Della, both, gave up the most important items to them, in order to buy a gift for each other. “Will you buy my hair?” (Henry 185). Henry portrays the reference of the “Three Wise Men” through his word choice and well depicted scenery. “The magi brought valuable gift but that was not among them.” (Henry 186). For example, according to the story of Jesus Christ, when Jesus was born, three men set from Persia to shower him with gifts such as gold. Henry‘s allusion towards the Christmas tale, explains the irony of each gift the couple bought for one another. The archetypal literature criticism specifically relates to “The Gift of the Magi” through the allusions and the specifics of the tale. The importance of Jim’s watch, and Della’s hair is not the item, but the sacrifice they make to purchase a gift for each other. “’Cut if off and sold it,’ said Della.” (Henry 186). O. Henry continues to say “The magi, as you know, were wise men, who brought gift to the Babe [Jesus Christ] in the manger.” (187). Henry claims the magi’s invented the art of gift giving (Henry 187). As the story’s rising action continues toward the climax, Henry’s
McFarland
ENC 1102
January 2, 2015
Archetypal Critical Theory: Gift of the Magi
In literature, symbolism is crucial to portray the author’s vision for the story. Each ornament presented through the story line can be viewed as a symbol that can potentially be related to the literature. Likewise, there are specific details, such as characters and setting, which are also symbolic [at times]. O. Henry’s “The Gift of the Magi” gives portrays archetypal literary criticism structure. Henry’s piece of literature contain numerous accounts of symbolic ornaments that can be considered an allusion or directly symbolic to “The Gift of the Magi.”
O. Henry’s, “The Gift of the Magi” shows proof of archetypal literary criticism by portraying the conflict of the story, and showing reference to the Christmas theme of “sacrifice.” Jim and Della, both, gave up the most important items to them, in order to buy a gift for each other. “Will you buy my hair?” (Henry 185). Henry portrays the reference of the “Three Wise Men” through his word choice and well depicted scenery. “The magi brought valuable gift but that was not among them.” (Henry 186). For example, according to the story of Jesus Christ, when Jesus was born, three men set from Persia to shower him with gifts such as gold. Henry‘s allusion towards the Christmas tale, explains the irony of each gift the couple bought for one another. The archetypal literature criticism specifically relates to “The Gift of the Magi” through the allusions and the specifics of the tale. The importance of Jim’s watch, and Della’s hair is not the item, but the sacrifice they make to purchase a gift for each other. “’Cut if off and sold it,’ said Della.” (Henry 186). O. Henry continues to say “The magi, as you know, were wise men, who brought gift to the Babe [Jesus Christ] in the manger.” (187). Henry claims the magi’s invented the art of gift giving (Henry 187). As the story’s rising action continues toward the climax, Henry’s
Cited: Henry, O. “The Gift of the Magi.” Literature: An Introduction to Fiction, Drama, Poetry and Writing. 12th Ed. "The Gift Of The Magi." Kirkus Reviews 81.20 (2013): 228. Academic Search Complete. Web. 16 Feb. 2015. Sheler, Jeffrey L. "A Gift To The Magi, Explained." U.S. News & World Report 127.24 (1999): 58. Academic Search Complete. Web. 16 Feb. 2015.