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The Gift of the Magi: Themes and Morals
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Sacrifice
The main characters, Jim and Della, show the theme of sacrifice by selling their most prized possessions to buy gifts for each other. This illustrates the selfless acts that people are willing to do for those they love.
Wisdom vs. Foolishness
The story's title refers to the Wise Men who brought gifts to the infant Jesus, paralleling how Jim and Della's seemingly foolish actions are actually wise in the sense that their sacrifices demonstrate an understanding of the value of love over possessions.
Wealth and Poverty
The contrast between the young couple's financial poverty and their emotional richness projects the theme that genuine love is not dependent on material wealth, showcasing the characters' rich inner lives and the wealth in human connections.
Irony
Irony is central to the story, with the twist ending serving as a powerful illustrative device for the futility of material gain in the face of true love, as both characters end up with gifts they cannot use due to their sacrifices.
Unconditional Love
Despite the ending where the gifts are rendered impractical, Jim and Della's love for each other is shown to be strong and unconditional. They find happiness in the willingness to give up their treasured items for the other's joy.
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