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What is the point of view of the story The gift of Magi?
Henry’s story “The Gift of the Magi” is told in omniscient third-person point of view.
What is the narrator’s opinion of the characters and their actions in the story gift of the Magi by O’Henry use details from the story to support your answer?
The narrator’s opinions on the character’s actions are foolish, wise, and sorta unwise. “… And here I have lamely related to you the uneventful chronicle of two foolish children in a flat who most unwisely sacrificed for each other the greatest treasures of their house…” (page 13).
How does O’Henry talks directly to his reader?
O’Henry speaks directly to his audience for two reasons. First, this form of narration draws readers into the story and creates a sense of intimacy with the narrator. A second reason the narrator addresses us directly is that this a didactic tale—it is meant to teach us an important lesson about the spirit of giving.
The narrator goes on to explain the main idea of this story succinctly: “Each sold the most valuable thing he owned in order to buy a gift for the other.” The main idea of “The Gift of the Magi” is that the value of a gift is in the giver, rather than the gift itself.
Who is telling the story in The Gift of the Magi?
The short story “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry is a third-person narration told from the perspective of an anonymous narrator. The narrator seems to be omniscient, as he reveals a lot about the characters, their surroundings, and circumstances.
What is the relevance of the text to the society in the story of The Gift of the Magi?
“The Gift of the Magi” relates to today’s society in that it shows us that love trumps materialism. This is a particularly important consideration in a society that is seen to be much more materialistic than the one in which the story is set.
Do you think O’Henry himself is the narrator of the story why or why not?
Henry is the narrator of his own story. One is that there is a great deal of authorial input. The author is commenting on his own story with interjections.
Why do you think O’Henry says that these two are the wisest in the gift of the Magi?
He sold his watch. The narrator says that these two are the wisest gift givers, because although they were foolish, they each sacrificed what mattered most to make sure the other was happy. So they were wise fools.
How does O. Henry use of description and setting impact our understanding of Jim and Della?
Henry’s use of description and setting impact our understanding of Jim and Della? By including the details of their flat, including descriptions of a “shabby little couch” and a buzzer that no longer works, readers get the impression that they barely have enough money for basic necessities, let alone gifts.
What did O. Henry like to write about?
American writer O. Henry is famous for his short stories. His tales romanticized the commonplace—in particular, the life of ordinary people in New York City. His stories often had surprise endings, a device that became identified with his name and cost him critical favour when its vogue had passed.
Why does the narrator compare Della and Jim to the Magi?
Della and Jim are compared to the Magi because, like the original three kings, this young woman and young man have sacrificed valuable and precious possessions of their own and given them willingly. All their acts are made from pure love and adoration. Indeed, they are “the Magi.”
Why did O. Henry wrote The Gift of Magi?
Henry wrote “The Gift of the Magi” in a hurried two or three hours because he was past deadline—and that may be true. But it’s because he knew such great love that he was able to pen it so quickly. It’s a reminder of the way we should be living, with love first, giving second, and possession below all.