It has been said that the relationship between Della and Jim in “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry is a truly unselfish love relationship. Many people aspire to that kind of relationship for themselves. Others say that people as poor as Della and Jim have no business spending money on such frivolous and unnecessary things like a watch fob and hair combs. They would say that the couple should be saving for a home or for a “rainy day.”
In your essay, take a position on this question. You may write about either one of the two points of view given, or you may present a different point of view on this question. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.
Gift-giving — it is a practice that dates back centuries on end that is intended to show appreciation from the giver. This tradition has been carried over into a variety of celebrations, the most prominent being Christmas. Some would argue that this gift-giving is a necessity when trying to convey appreciation, love, and affection, while others would dispute this, stating that gift-giving is merely a “waste of money,” specifically for those of lower classes. However, it is clear through the story of Jim and Della in “The Gift of the Magi” that both of these ideas concerning gift giving could not be further from the truth, which is why it is essential that this argument be provided from a different point of view. The meanings of Christmas and other celebrations have clearly become misconstrued, as so much more lies at their centers than any amount of gifts or money could ever explain.
ReplyDeleteIn the story of Jim and Della, Della is concerned, due to the fact that she and her husband lack any financial stability, that she will be unable to buy Jim a gift that he so deserves. She contemplates how she could possibly purchase him such a gift that is worthy of him, and through this contemplation, arrives at a conclusion: she must cut her hair, which Jim loves dearly, and sell it. Upon taking this action, she buys a chain for Jim’s valued golden watch, and returns home, when Jim later arrives. He appears stunned, and, in a sense, Della appears hurt by the look Jim gives her, thinking their love may be lost because she cut her hair. Yet, as Jim tells her, this is not the case. She opens her gift and finds that, inside, were the combs that she always wanted. When Jim receives his gift, he tells Della that he sold his watch, the watch that he sold for her combs. So much beauty lies behind their actions, yet this beauty is so much more than mere gift-giving.
O. Henry’s story of Jim and Della provides so much insight into the true meaning of Christmas, the true act of giving. When Della makes the decision to cut her hair, she performs an act of selflessness, one that is dedicated to one that she loves. Jim, by selling a watch passed down for several generations, shows, similarly, this love of selflessness. This selflessness, this gift of oneself, is not one that can be discovered through a mindlessly-given gift, but rather, one that requires a certain level of self-sacrifice — the self-sacrifice that is shown by both Della and Jim. Within these acts of selflessness lie the theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity, which are found at the heart of Christmas. In addition, it is clear that the gifts given by Jim and Della are now useless; all that they have is each other. Again, this message delivered by O. Henry is an attempt to bring to life the true meaning of Christmas — sharing in the faith, hope, and love of the Christmas season with one’s closest family and friends, and if one is so willing, those who are less fortunate who, like any other, desire to experience the truth, goodness, and beauty of this blessed holiday.
The Christmas season and all other celebrations for that matter, have, to a large extent, become contaminated by the idea of the importance of a tangible gift-giving tradition. Oftentimes, these gifts do not bring to life the true heart of the celebration and only lead to a greater amount of stress, yes, but most importantly, a spiritual emptiness, a longing for a deeper meaning, which can only come through gathering together and sharing in the many love-filled, hope-filled, and faith-filled experiences missed when the former is carried out. Clearly, a gift everyone can give —the gift of active presence — is one that no quantity of presents could ever replace.
You explained your point of view very clear. I also thought you explained the whole point of Christmas very well. Your introduction did a good job explaining what gift-giving exactly is, good job!
DeleteI agree with Bethany, you did a real good job getting your point across, and your closing paragraph really confirmed your argument.
DeleteI enjoyed how you spent your introduction talking about gift-giving and the real Mae Ingram of Christmas. It really helped your argument. It was also very clear which side of the argument you were on.
DeleteFor the collective we, the practice of gift-giving has been something that we all do somewhat mindlessly, with a focus on how we can satisfy someone’s desires for a concrete object without breaking the bank. We hunt for the perfect gift that we know the recipient would REALLY love, but if we can’t find it for a “reasonable” price, we simply don’t get it. After some thought, it would seem that this practice is quite selfish. Maybe for gift-giving to be truly selfless, and truly worthwhile, we need to break the bank, which is exactly what Jim and Della did in The Gift of the Magi.
ReplyDeleteEven though Jim and Della were poor, they loved and cherished one another. Because they loved each other so, both of them gave away what was precious to each of them. Della loved her beautiful hair more than anything, and she knew that Jim loved it, too. Jim also cherished his watch, and Della was well-aware of it. Since they were just barely getting by, they had no funds for Christmas gifts, and it was looking as if gift-giving would not be possible that year. Determined to show Jim just how much she loved him, Della began to think of a way she could drum up some money to be able to buy Jim something special. She decided to sell her hair, which she and Jim loved so dearly. This selfless act was a true act of love, as Della gave up something she really treasured for the sake of Jim’s Christmas joy. Jim did the same, as he pawned his prized watch in order to be able to buy Della the set of combs she’d been eyeing up every time she went out. Again, this was a selfless act of love meant to bolster his wife’s Christmas joy.
Despite that fact that neither Jim nor Della were able to use the gifts they gave each other, they made huge sacrifices to be able to make each other happy. Giving gifts is supposed to be a sacrifice on the part of the giver to be able to bring joy to the recipient, all the while showing that the giver loves and cherishes the recipient. In our society, however, we are obsessed with how we can bring the most joy to the recipient of a gift without much expense on our part. This totally destroys the objective of gift-giving. Sure, Jim and Della had no true need for the gifts they gave each other, but they made such big sacrifices to show that they appreciated each other. Instead of selfishly focusing on the price tag, it is time for society to concern itself more with making people happy instead of saving a few bucks. Selfless giving serves as a supplement to the real meaning of Christmas, which is the birth of our Lord and Savior. What better a way to honor our Savior, who selflessly gave his own life for us, than to selflessly give what we have to bring joy to others? While Jim and Della could have saved up their money to spend on something they actually needed, their selfless sacrifices exemplify the way gift-giving is meant to be done.
I really enjoyed reading your introduction, if not for the unique method of speaking, then for the way you established your argument: showing how the other side is absurd. In either case, you clearly laid out your argument and provided some great examples. It’s appreciation for the other, not the exact quality of the gift.
DeleteYour argument is very good! I’m glad you pointed out that the sacrifice is what means most. It was also really great that you paralleled it to Jesus’ sacrifice.
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ReplyDeleteGiving gifts and the Christmas season are some the most pure and enjoyable things in the world. For many people similar to Della and Jim, giving gifts can be a pathway to being removed from the perhaps dire straits. This story exemplifies this statement.
ReplyDeleteDella and Jim were perhaps unwise to spend that much on items for each other, and not spend it on food, water, and other essentials. But, I will propose, that this is what makes giving gifts worth it. It is the self-sacrifice between Della and Jim, cutting and selling her hair and selling his watch, respectively, that makes the gifts special to each other. The lack of money compounds this, of course, but whether they were rich or homeless, the face that one person sacrificed something near and dear to their hearts is what makes giving and receiving the gift worthwhile.
Although you have some good arguments, you lack detail in order to explain what you are exactly arguing. I think you need to further explain your ideas next time.. Also, I’m not completely sure what side you are arguing because it appears as if you are arguing both sides.
DeleteWhile I do feel you could have added a bit more detail, as Bethany said, I was able to find your argument easily: it doesn’t really require giving up everything (in terms of the financial aspect) to give someone a special gift. I feel that while others were focused, to a large extent, on the financial aspect of giving and worrying about “spending too much,” and how this worry could almost be considered a disgrace, your argument seemed to focus exclusively on the self-sacrificial aspect. Even if this story centered around a rich couple, much of the story’s meaning would be retained, which I feel is extremely important to state, as you did. It is not the amount of money spent, whether it be small or great, but rather, the amount of thought put in, which captures the true meaning of gift-giving. You had a great message, and if you added some detail, I think the argument as a whole could be even greater!
DeleteWhile you do lay out an argument, you do not use much evidence. It was lacking in detail, and was extremely brief. Less than ten sentences. While it is possible to have a short statement, an argument like this one requires a certain depth. That being said, I did enjoy your opening sentence, it effectively set up the side of the argument you took.
DeleteThis really needs to be longer in depth and detail. I agree with the points made but you needed to expand more on it. Also I can’t see what side you want to be on because I feel like you point out arguments for both sides.
DeleteWhile your opening sentence was very strong and effective, I concur with Kristen and Bethany. What side were you on? Your argument was pretty foggy and didn't really establish your position. Maybe more detail would have helped you establish that.
DeleteGifts, both giving and receiving, have become a staple of Christmas celebrations around the world. Friends and family presenting the gift that the recipient truly wants, for no reason other than creating an outward sign of their connection. This standard, however, has become jaded in recent years. It has become about the gift, not the people involved. This corruption of the standard has been broken in the case of Della and Jim, a couple who went to find the perfect gift for the other. Both embraced the concept of finding a perfect gift, then looking at the price tag. Ultimately, those who wish to create the outward sign of of true friendship or family caring do not care about the price. It is the heart behind it that counts.
ReplyDeleteAnyone could walk over to the local store, buy a small, useful item, and present it. Della and Jim show that true gifts are more than that. Della paid for Jim’s gift with her hair, her most valued possession. Jim paid for Della’s gift with his watch, his most valued possession. This, in essence, shows what a gift should be: given from the heart, with no heed for the toll it takes on the giver, all for the sake of the receiver. It parallels the gift Jesus made: hanging from a cross for all our sakes. The monetary value of the gift does not come into play. Della and Jim both paid with money, but behind that came sacrifice. A gift is from the self, it requires setting aside oneself and thinking of the recipient first. Therein lies the true meaning of a gift: sacrifice of one for the well-being of another. That is what gifts should be, but they are not always like that.
Today’s people lack the personal touch of gifts, they just go buy stuff. They go and buy a little trinket that will inevitably be given to someone else. They give money, allowing gifts to be given by the recipient. They are not like Della and Jim, they do not make a sacrifice of anything worthwhile. They do not mirror the gifts of Christ. They are not gifts. Giving gifts is great, giving things is disappointing.
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DeleteDominic, the definition you provided for gift-giving is one that is truly meaningful and brings to life the true meaning of Christmas. This idea of self-sacrifice is oftentimes missing in celebrating this holiday, which, as you state, brings about the ultimate sacrifice. In addition, aside from the underlying message of your blog, you do a great job of supporting your argument with various examples that link the both the practices of gift-giving and selflessness in The Gift of the Magi with the sacrifice of Christ.
DeleteI love how you brought in the idea of what giving gifts should really be about and how it’s true meaning can become clouded. Selflessness is what is truly needed like you stated. Great job!
DeleteSince the main purpose of Christmas is to celebrate the birth of Jesus, people incorporated different ways in order to celebrate His birthday. One of the most common ways to celebrate it is to give gifts to other people. However, sometimes, one must give up something in order to give a particular gift. This is something you do when you love someone. We sacrifice in order to show that we care. Gift-giving takes a lot of thought and effort in order to make sure the receiver of the gift loves it.
ReplyDeleteIn the story, “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry, it portrays just how much sacrifice one might have to make in order to give someone they love a gift that they have been always wanting. It is also a great example of how Della and Jim lived an unselfish relationship. All couples should follow in their footsteps because they are living the right way. Their relationship is truly beautiful. In this story, both the man and the woman had to sacrifice something they love in order to buy the other a Christmas present. Since the couple struggled financially, Della had to sell her hair while Jim sold his beloved golden watch. Jim was very sad to see that Della cut her hair, so she kept saying that it will grow and there was nothing to worry about. After Della opened her gift and saw that Jim bought her beautiful new combs, she realized why Jim was so upset. When Jim opened his gift and saw it was a new band for his watch, he had to explain that he sold his watch in order to buy Della the new combs. Despite not being able to afford a gift, the two still managed to buy the other something for Christmas.
This story portrays the true meaning of Christmas. People are always too worried about buying a bunch of meaningless gifts than actually focusing on what Christmas really is — spreading love to others and celebrating the birth of Jesus. Even though Jim and Della could not end up using their gifts, it was the thought that really counts. They both went through a lot in order to make sure they bought the perfect gift for one another.
Your final paragraph did a great job of explaining the meaning of the story. While your conclusion could have been stronger, it got the point across adequately.
DeleteI agree with Emma in the fact that your final paragraph really explained things, but I also liked your introduction. It set the stage very well for your argument.
DeleteI really liked the part about sacrifices and how you proved them to be crucial with examples from the story.
DeleteI really like your introduction. It ties in Jesus and gift giving very well. Also, your conclusion relates your view of the story perfectly.
DeleteAround the world, in every country, gifts are given for many celebrations; Christmas being the largest and most popular. The morning begins with children running down the stairs, discovering a mountain of presents each year. But this is not true for everyone. Some kids wake up with no presents, with no stocking gift, and with no excitement. This also happens to adults every year because they do not have enough money to surprise one another with gifts. People then make sacrifices for one another. Della and Jim both made sacrifices for each other for Christmas to show how much they care for one another. That is the whole meaning of Christmas, showing everyone how much you care and to make sacrifices for those you love. People often forget that giving the gift should present more joy than receiving a gift. This idea is lost among many people in modern times because they are so blinded by the greediness of gifts. The way I see it, everyone should aspire to be like Della and Jim. Not everyone has a lot of money, but it’s what they do with that small amount for each other that helps make the relationship work. Della sacrificed her hair by cutting it and selling it to buy the chain for Jim’s watch, but Jim sacrificed himself by selling his watch to buy Della combs for her hair. Even though they both gave up something so very important on them, they still had a wonderful Christmas together. The whole Christmas recollection is about Jesus and what He sacrificed for us. Jesus gave us true salvation by giving himself up; allowing people to crucify him. He gave up His life and is still the happiest person in the world because He knows we could have life. Sacrifice is the biggest gift anyone, including Jesus, could give. That is what O. Henry shows with Della and Jim sacrificing their own personal items to give one another a gift, creating a wonderful holiday.
ReplyDeleteWhile many points in your argument were both sensible and agreeable, it seemed to me that you were relying too heavily on the idea that gifts are a prime importance of the meaning of Christmas.
DeleteI liked how you transitioned into that the couple may be poor, but they made sacrfices for each other. Also, I agree wuth your position that it was a great Christmas for Jim and Della.
DeleteHappiness is the ultimate goal that people strive to reach in their lives. Where that happiness derives from varies from person to person, but people often attribute this happiness to the people around them rather than the objects that they possess. For Della and Jim, this sentiment could not be more true. The couple struggles to make ends meet; however, they refuse to grow somber and bitter. While the criticism that Della and Jim should not have spent their money in such seemingly frivolous ways does exist, they ultimately purchase the combs and chain respectively with the goal of strengthening the feeling of happiness rather than providing it completely. Sometimes a small reminder of how much a person is loved is worth a high price.
ReplyDeleteDella and Jim clearly know each other quite well; they are married, after all. They want the best for each other, but they know that not all of their struggles can be ameliorated with a dollar or two. The money spent may have been saved as a building block for future plans, but they wanted to do something special. Saving and scrimping can be exhausting and unrewarding in short-term settings. Christmas was the couple’s excuse to finally get something unnecessary but completely worth it for their spouse. Each knows how much the other values their one prize possession among the others.
For both Della and Jim, the hair and watch respectively were not their most prized possessions. Above everything else, they valued each other more than any material things. While it may be seen as trying to “buy each other’s love”, Della and Jim already have everything they could possibly need. They may not have extraneous luxuries, but that is not what they find important. A set of combs or a nice chain for a watch does not alter the love that they possess for each other. This action is simply an easier scenario in which readers can comprehend just how strongly Della and Jim long for the happiness of each other. Their happiness truly does not come from materialistic pleasures; true happiness come from loving and being loved.
I really like your opening statement, because in the end happiness is really important. You also stated your argument very clearly, which is also good. Great job!
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ReplyDeleteThe Christmas season is about the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Jesus was given to the world from His Father, God. He was the ultimate present to the world. Christmas is a time where people give gifts to each other all the time. Family members, friends, coworkers, neighbors, and many others give gifts during this season. Whether it be mother to children or children to mother, the gift means more than just money value. To many minds, giving gifts is all about the price and value of the object. In reality, the purpose is that the receiver was in the mind of the giver. This theme is evident in “The Gift of the Magi.” Della wants to spend money on Jim because she wants to show him her appreciation. This thought that by giving a gift she is thanking him is very powerful. This thought shows how much she deeply cares for him. Jim wants to also show his love and appreciation through the power of gift giving. Della cuts her hair to raise money, and Jim sells his watch. These selfless acts are a part of the true reason behind their gifts, love. These actions of spending a great amount of money on one object may seem harsh for the poor couple, yet that is not a thought that goes through their minds. They want to make each other happy and they do by making a sacrifice. To Della, her beautiful hair is worthy of giving away for the sake of Jim’s gift. To Jim, selling his valuable watch is worthy of purchasing combs for Della. God also wanted to make us happy. He make the ultimate sacrifice by giving us His only Son. The purpose behind gift giving is not because it should be done, but because it is out of love and kindness.
When buying a gift for someone, I don’t think anyone aims to ruin somebody’s holiday. Their goal is to make the other person happy, getting them something they know will be greatly appreciated. The idea of gifts, both giving and receiving, has become very pertinent with Christmas recently, but some view it as a waste of money, or that it’s not worth it if you can’t afford the perfect gift. I do not think that is the case, and relationship between Della and Jim in “The Gift of the Magi” proves why it is not all about the money.
ReplyDeleteDella needed to find a gift that she thought was as valuable as Jim, something very special. She did find him a great gift, but the cost was very significant. In order to purchase it for him, she had to cut off her hair and sell it just so she could have enough. She got him a very expensive chain for his watch. Jim comes home and sees what she has done and gives her a surprised stare which discouraged her, only to find out that Jim’s gift to her was the set of combs for her hair that she has always wanted, but thought they were always too expensive. She asked him how he could afford them, ironically enough though he had to sell his watch to buy the combs. In the end, she cut her hair to afford the chain for the watch, and he sold his watch to afford the combs, so they couldn’t use each other’s gifts after all.
Although their gifts did not work out, the amount of unselfishness behind them is so significant. They both made extreme sacrifices to get each other the gifts they thought the other was worthy of, which came at a high price, which shows how much they truly valued each other. With both gifts being useless, the only thing they had left in the end was each other, which really brings across O. Henry’s true meaning behind the story - the importance of the love, faith, and good cheer that can be brought forth during the Christmas season.
Your opening, while a little on the bland side, was very effective at establishing your stance on the matter. Your second paragraph went on to provide a good synopsis of Jim and Della's situation. You connected the second and third paragraphs very well, and really drove home the point that it's the thought that counts. A job well done!
DeleteJesus was the very first gift given to us and is the best one we have ever received. Christmas is a time in giving just like Jesus gave his life to us. Many people give gifts to try to represent Christ giving of himself to us. Gifts often show appreciation, love, and selflessness to another person. The gift giver often is trying to show how special the receiver is to them through just simple, meaningful gifts. Often it is the smallest gifts that mean the most to people. The meaning behind the gift is so much more important than the price of it. Della and Jim in “The Gift of the Magi” are just trying to show their love for one another by buying a gift that means something special. They would give anything just to see the other person smile and light up when they open it. That honestly is what matters most which proves that this story is truly of unselfishness. Della cuts off all of her beautiful hair just to have enough to buy Jim’s chain for his watch which means everything to him. On the other hand, Jim sells his watch just to buy the most amazing brush for Della to comb her beautiful hair with. The amount of thought that each put into the gift and the amount they were willing to sacrifice is really quite amazing. In the end, even though their gifts wouldn’t work out their love for each other grew just because they knew how much each other would be willing to sacrifice for the other.
ReplyDeleteI really like your opening statement. Your argument made it clear which side you were on. I also believe that your concluding statement summed up the whole story and argument as well as the meaning of the story.
DeleteI really like how you said that it’s not about the gift itself but rather the meaning of the gift. This is so true. I also really like your concluding sentence. Good job!
DeleteJim and Della’s relationship is such an inspiration. They both sacrificed their most loved possessions to buy the other a present for Christmas. Jim and Della were poor and had no money to spend on buying presents for each other. Jim sold his precious watch and Della sold her beautiful hair all for the sack of making the other happy. Their selfless gift exchange was something people should aspire to have in their own relationship.
ReplyDeleteChristmas is not all about gift-giving, but it was a special exchange for Jim and Della. Della did not have any money to buy Jim a gift. She cut off and sold her hair to buy Jim an expensive watch fob for his favorite watch so he could show it off to his friends. Jim bought Della beautiful hair combs using the money he received from selling his pocket watch. Both of the purchased items were bought as a special present. However, the combs and watch fob were useless because Della sold her hair and Jim sold his watch. This gift exchange was pure selflessness. They both gave up their favorite things for each other. This act made Jim and Della aware of their special relationship. They realized that their spouse loved them so much that they would make a huge sacrifice. This is just what Jesus did. He made the ultimate sacrifice, death, in order to save us.
Jim and Della’s gift exchange was not the perfect one, but it was indeed special. It showed how much they loved each other. Anyone would want to have a relationship like they do. The true meaning of Christmas is Jesus Christ and his birth. It is also about doing things for others instead of yourself. This story was not directly about the true meaning of Christmas, but it did capture an important part of it.
As the popular song will tell you, Christmas is indeed the, “Most wonderful time of the year.” Now, this is not because you get free stuff or because of all the happy music playing, but rather because all of the love that is felt. Not just romantic love, but love such as friendship and family. When it boils down to it, love is the true meaning of Christmas, because Jesus is love. Jesus had an incredible love for all of us, that is spread all throughout this special holiday. You can see it everywhere. Whether it’s as simple as holding the door for someone, or something as big as a huge donation for the needy, people everywhere are being charitable. The best of example of this charity and love can be seen in Jim and Della’s relationship. While from a close look, it would seem like they are both obsessed with material things. Della wants some expensive brushes and Jim wanted an expensive watch fob. These two gifts that both of the people wanted express what their greatest treasures are. Jim being his watch, and Della being her hair. But, these two loved each other so much that they were willing to give up their treasures for the other person. That is a true love, and I think that everyone should aspire for that kind of relationship. Jim and Della know that they may be short on money, but as long as they have each other, everything will work out. This story reflects the true meaning of Christmas, the love and charity of Jesus and his children.
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