Answer:
In "Gift of the Magi" and "The Heavenly Christmas Tree," both stories revolve around the theme of selflessness and the true spirit of giving during Christmas. However, there are notable differences between the two stories.
In "Gift of the Magi," the main characters, Della and Jim, are a young married couple facing financial hardships. They both make sacrifices to buy meaningful Christmas gifts for each other. Della sells her long hair to buy a chain for Jim's prized pocket watch, while Jim sells his pocket watch to buy combs for Della's hair. The story emphasizes the couple's love and willingness to give up their most prized possessions for each other.
On the other hand, "The Heavenly Christmas Tree" by Fyodor Dostoevsky focuses on a young boy's dream-like experience on Christmas Eve. The boy encounters an angel who shows him a vision of a glorious Christmas tree in heaven. The story explores themes of innocence, redemption, and the heavenly realm. It highlights the boy's longing for a joyful and harmonious Christmas celebration, contrasting his reality of poverty and hardship.
Step-by-step explanation:
"Gift of the Magi" centers on the sacrifices made by a couple in love, while "The Heavenly Christmas Tree" delves into the realm of imagination and spirituality, depicting a young boy's longing for a better Christmas experience. Both stories convey the importance of selflessness and the true meaning of Christmas, but they do so in different narrative contexts.