"The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry

"The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry was an interesting read.  The characters of Della and Jim were especially intriguing.  I like how the story seems to focus primarily around Della and her quest to find an exquisite gift for her husband.  Della's determination to do whatever it takes, or in this case sell whatever it takes, to obtain the means by which she can purchase the gift she wants for her husband is reflected in her decision to have her hair cut off for money.  The fact that her hair is regarded as her prized possession helps portray the depth of her love for her husband and the value she places on his happiness.  Throughout the story the reader can't help but wonder if Jim feels the same way about his wife and in keeping with his reputation O. Henry does not disappoint.  O. Henry ends his story with an ending that most readers do not see coming.  The story ends with the husband, Jim, revealing that he had done the same for his wife during his quest to make her happy.  Jim had sold his most prized possession, his watch, to be able buy her the set of hair bushes that she had coveted for so long.  To me this story displays the love that Jesus often talks about in the Bible, a type of love that is completely unselfish and unrestrained.