Question

In the space below, write a 500-word essay describing the theme of O. Henry’s “The Gift of the Magi.” Explain how the author uses irony as an essential tool in developing this theme.

Answer 1

One of the most important themes in the Gift of the Magi is that of wealth. What makes a person wealthy, or rich? What O. Henry wants to show is that the couple in the story are very rich and lucky, because even though they have no money, they have a very pure love, which is a lot more special.

He supports this theme through the use of irony. In the story, the irony lies in the fact that the couple want to give special presents to each other so badly, that they are willing to sacrifice their most prized possessions. However, these possessions are also the reason for their gifts. However, O. Henry implies that whether the gifts are fancy or not, and whether they lost their possessions or not, their true wealth lies in the fact that they are both willing to make sacrifices for each other.

Answer 2

O'Henry used irony in "The Gift of the Magi". This tool was essential to developing the story's theme by showing that the couple bought gifts for each other that they could not actually use at the moment. In addition, the author used this fact to show that people of the society should treasure the things they've received from others, because you may never know if they sacrificed THEIR most treasured possession to aquire the gift. (Gtg...just write something like this. Good luck!)