Is the short story “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry still relevant today?

An analysis of the major themes love, sacrifice and wisdom and the ‘O. Henry twist’

Term Paper , 2008 , 11 Pages , Grade: 1,3

English Language and Literature Studies - Literature

"The Gift of the Magi" is one of O. Henry's most famous short stories. In this paper I will have a closer look at the short story “The Gift of the Magi“ by O. Henry. I will start by analyzing the major themes love, sacrifice and wisdom. Furthermore, I will also have a look at the ending of the story, which is an example of the so-called ‘O. Henry twist’. By analyzing these different aspects of the short story I will conclude with the meaning for the reader today and the question whether this short story is worth reading.

OUTLINE

1. Introduction

2. The Major Themes Love, Sacrifice and Wisdom

3. The ‘O. Henry twist’

4. Conclusion

5. Appendix
5.1. Biography of O. Henry
5.2. Short Summary of “The Gift of the Magi”

6. Literature
6.1. Primary Literature
6.2. Secondary Literature

• College: University of Flensburg (Institut für Anglistik und Amerikanistik)
• Course: American Short Fiction
• Grade: 1,3
• Author: Marijke Eggert (Author)
• Publication Year: 2008
• Pages: 11
• Catalog Number: V199131
• ISBN (eBook): 9783656254805
• ISBN (Book): 9783656255659
• Language: English
• Tags: gift, magi”, henry