Allusion In The Story The Gift Of The Magi
The Gift of the Magi is a short story written by O. Henry, an American writer, and published in 1905. It is a touching Christmas story that tells about a young married couple named Jim and Della Young who are struggling financially but determined to give each other the perfect gift for Christmas. The story is full of literary devices, and one of the most prominent is allusion. In this article, we will explore the use of allusion in The Gift of the Magi and its significance.
What is Allusion?
Allusion is a literary device that refers to a person, place, thing, or idea that is not explicitly mentioned in the text but is implied or assumed to be known by the reader. Allusion can be a historical, cultural, or literary reference that adds depth and meaning to the text. It requires the reader to have prior knowledge of the reference to fully understand its significance.
Allusions in The Gift of the Magi
The Gift of the Magi has many allusions that add to the depth and meaning of the story. Some of the most notable allusions include:
The Magi
The title of the story is an allusion to the biblical story of the Three Wise Men or Magi who brought gifts to the baby Jesus. The reference to the Magi in the title sets the tone for the story and suggests that the gifts exchanged between Jim and Della are symbolic of the gifts brought by the Magi.
Queen of Sheba
In the story, Della refers to herself as the "Queen of Sheba" when she admires her long hair in the mirror. The Queen of Sheba was a powerful and wealthy queen who visited King Solomon and brought him gifts. Della's reference to the Queen of Sheba suggests that she sees herself as powerful and valuable, despite her financial struggles.
William Sydney Porter
O. Henry, the author of the story, is referenced in the text when Della counts her money and realizes that she only has $1.87 to buy Jim a gift. She says, "One dollar and eighty-seven cents. And the next day would be Christmas." This reference to O. Henry's name adds a metafictional element to the story and reminds the reader that they are reading a work of fiction.
Significance of Allusion in The Gift of the Magi
The use of allusion in The Gift of the Magi adds depth and meaning to the story. It allows the reader to make connections between the text and other works of literature, history, or culture. Allusion also adds a layer of complexity to the story and invites the reader to think critically about the themes and messages conveyed.
For example, the allusion to the Magi in the title of the story suggests that the gifts exchanged between Jim and Della are symbolic and meaningful, despite their material value. The reference to the Queen of Sheba adds to the characterization of Della as a strong and powerful woman, despite her financial struggles. The reference to O. Henry's name adds a metafictional element to the story and reminds the reader of the artifice of fiction.
Conclusion
The Gift of the Magi is a touching Christmas story that uses allusion to add depth and meaning to the text. The allusions to the Magi, the Queen of Sheba, and O. Henry himself, invite the reader to make connections between the text and other works of literature, history, or culture. Allusion adds a layer of complexity to the story and invites the reader to think critically about the themes and messages conveyed. Ultimately, The Gift of the Magi is a testament to the power of love and sacrifice, and its use of allusion only serves to enhance its impact.