What is the literary theme of "The Gift of The Magi" by O. Henry?

Answer 1

Irony. The Gift of the Magi is not only one of the greatest short love stories it also is one of the most ironic. A husband and wife, both poor, give up their most beloved possession to buy the other a gift. Ironically, each has used the money to buy a gift that would include the beloved possession.

O. Henry often put ironic twists into his story and it was his greatest writing talent.

Answer 2

Love is the greatest gift of all.

Money can't buy you love.

A gift must come from the heart.

Beauty comes from within.

The first mentioned is probably the main theme, though the others are also relevant.

Here's where you get it in the story:
"And here I have told you the story of two children who were not wise. Each sold the most valuable thing he owned in order to buy a gift for the other. But let me speak a last word to the wise of these days: Of all who give gifts, these two were the most wise."

How were they unwise? They sold valuable things to buy gifts that they didn't really need to buy in the first place, because they were truly in love.

How were they wise? They thought only of the other person and not of themselves when they gave their gifts.

Answer 3

Well, think of the irony in the story: The couple is very, very poor. But each one loves the other so much that both of them sell their most prized possession to make the other one happy. But remember what happens in terms of the gifts--they can't use the gifts because they have sold the required item that makes the gifts useful ... ? So what does this tell you about materialism and true happiness?

Answer 4

I've already read it. People used to give gifts on the christmas eve. The same thing both the husband and wife did. I don't remember it correctly I read it a year back.

Answer 5

The literary theme is the power of love and self-sacrifice.