Part one of term paper
The theme for "The Gift of the Magi" is that love is more important than any material item. Della and Jim, the two main characters, demonstrated the theme. This theme also occurs in the "real world." The theme in this short story has a deep meaning. One way to interpret the theme is that love will last a lifetime, and material gifts will ...

Part two of term paper
... "Don't make any mistake Dell; he said about me. I don't think there is anything in the way of a haircut or shave or a shampoo that could make me like my girl any less." (O. Henry p177.) Also, this theme is demonstrated at the end of the story. Della was upset that she did not have a gift for Jim, so she sold what she loved most to show her love for him. She sold her hair to buy a chain for Jim's watch, but it was ironic that Jim had sold his watch to buy combs for Della's hair. They each ...