Chapter 9


1. What is the significance of the title "The Gift of the Magi"?

Ans: The title "The Gift of the Magi" refers to the three wise men (Magi) from the Bible who brought valuable gifts for baby Jesus. They symbolize wisdom and true generosity. In the story, Jim and Della, though poor, show great love and sacrifice by giving up their most precious possessions to buy gifts for each other. Their selfless love reflects the wisdom of the Magi, making their simple, heartfelt presents more valuable than any material riches. Thus, the title highlights the idea that true love and sacrifice are the wisest gifts of all.


2. How can you say that Jim and Della loved each other very much?

Ans: Jim and Della’s actions show their deep love. Both are poor but want to make each other happy on Christmas. Della sells her beautiful long hair to buy a platinum chain for Jim’s watch. Jim, unknowingly, sells his prized gold watch to buy a set of combs for Della’s hair. They are not upset about losing their prized items; instead, they cherish the love behind each gift. Their mutual sacrifice proves that their love is genuine, selfless, and far deeper than material things.


3. Describe the family status as well as family life of Jim and Della.

Ans: Jim and Della are a young, married couple living in a modest, rented flat. Their financial condition is poor—Jim earns only $20 a week, and Della has to save every penny. Their home is simply furnished, and they struggle to make ends meet. Despite this, their life is filled with love, care, and mutual respect. They may lack wealth, but their emotional bond and affection make their family life strong and meaningful.


4. Who invented the art of giving Christmas gifts and why are Jim and Della called the Magi?

Ans: The Magi, or Three Wise Men from the East, are believed to have invented the tradition of giving Christmas gifts when they offered gold, frankincense, and myrrh to baby Jesus. O. Henry calls Jim and Della the Magi because they, too, give gifts out of wisdom and deep love. Though they act foolishly by worldly standards, their self-sacrificing love makes them truly wise. Their gifts, like the Magi’s, carry emotional and spiritual value, making them the wisest gift-givers of all.


5. "The essence of love is sacrifice." Justify this statement with reference to 'The Gift of the Magi'.

Ans: In "The Gift of the Magi," sacrifice is the ultimate proof of love. Della sacrifices her long, beautiful hair to buy a watch chain for Jim. Jim sacrifices his treasured gold watch to buy combs for Della’s hair. They give up what they value most to make each other happy. This mutual selflessness shows that true love is not about receiving, but about giving. Their actions illustrate that love involves putting the other’s happiness above one’s own, which is the true essence of sacrifice.


6. Do you think that to sell their possessions for Christmas gifts was wise? Explain.

Ans: On the surface, selling their valuable possessions may seem foolish, because both gifts end up useless. However, in a deeper sense, it was a very wise decision. It showed that their love for each other was more important than material objects. The act of giving selflessly turned their poor, simple lives into something rich with meaning. Their sacrifices made them rich in love, wisdom, and spirit—and that’s the true wisdom of the Magi. So yes, it was wise, not by worldly standards, but by the standards of true love and humanity. 


1. Who are the main characters in the story "The Gift of the Magi"?

Ans: The main characters are Jim and Della, a young married couple who are poor but deeply in love with each other.


2. How much money did Della have to buy a Christmas gift for Jim?

Ans: Della had one dollar and eighty-seven cents, which she had saved penny by penny.


3. What did Della sell to buy Jim’s gift?

Ans: Della sold her long, beautiful hair to buy a platinum watch chain for Jim.


4. What was Jim’s most prized possession?

Ans: Jim’s most prized possession was his gold watch, which had belonged to his father and grandfather.


5. What gift did Jim buy for Della?

Ans: Jim bought a set of beautiful combs for Della’s hair.


6. What did Jim sell to buy Della’s gift?

Ans: Jim sold his gold watch to get the money to buy the combs for Della.


7. Why are Jim and Della compared to the Magi?

Ans: They are compared to the Magi because they gave selfless and wise gifts, showing the true spirit of Christmas and love.


8. What is the main theme of the story?

Ans: The main theme is sacrificial love, showing that true love means giving up something valuable for the sake of the other.


9. What does the story say about material possessions?

Ans: The story shows that material possessions have little value compared to true love and sacrifice.


10. What kind of ending does the story have?

Ans: The story has a twist ending, where both gifts become useless, but it emphasizes the wisdom and depth of Jim and Della’s love.