The Gift of the Magi Video Summary

Visit us at to read the full video transcript and our study guide for this classic novel, which includes a full list of characters, themes, and much more. “The Gift of the Magi” is a short story written in 1905 by O. Henry, the pen name of William Sydney Porter. Set on Christmas Eve, the book is about a husband and wife who sacrifice their most prized possessions and, in an ironic twist, realize the richness of their love for one another. The story has been widely adapted and remains a treasured Christmas tale. The story opens on Christmas Eve. Della, a selfless and frugal woman, is distraught. For months, she has been saving up to buy a Christmas gift for her beloved husband, Jim. However, Jim’s pitiful salary of 20 dollars per week has only afforded her $ for a present, far from the amount she would need for a gift worthy of Jim’s love. Forlorn, Della begins to cry bu