they represent wise people everywhere
In "The Gift of the Magi," Jim and Della are considered allegorical figures because they symbolize selflessness and sacrifice, mirroring the biblical story of the Magi who gave gifts to baby Jesus. Their actions emphasize the themes of love, generosity, and the true meaning of gift-giving.
Della gets $20 for her hair.
their gift to each others were valueless because they were accessories for the objects they both sold to get the other the present. He gave a gift for her hair but she sold it to give him a band for his watch which he sold. So both presents which were intended to please the other can now only do so at a sentimental level.
Jim's gift for Della is ironic because he sells his most prized possession, his pocket watch, to buy combs for Della's hair, while she sells her hair to buy him a chain for his pocket watch. Their gifts become useless because they are each meant for the other's sold possession. This highlights the sacrifices they make for each other and the importance of love over material possessions.
Because Della had sold her hair, Jim's present, the combs, were not useful for the moment. Because Jim had sold his watch, Della's present, the fob chain, was not useful at all. Because Della and Jim sacrificed their most valuable possessions to have a Christmas present for each other, they couldn't use the presents they had bought.
Jim's initial reaction to Della when he arrives home is one of shock and disbelief. He is surprised and confused by Della's new appearance due to her drastic haircut to sell her hair for money to buy him a Christmas gift.
when della comes home when della comes home
Della is upset at the beginning of the story because she does not have enough money to buy her husband a Christmas gift, and she wants to show him how much she loves him. She feels frustrated and helpless in her situation, leading her to tears.
Della and Jim
the gift of love
Della needed more money to buy a precious gift which will be suitable only for her love Jim.
He sells his pocket watch .
Della bought her husband a silver watch chain.A silver watch chain.