The Gift of the Magi

by

O. Henry

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Jim, Della’s husband, and “the lord of the flat,” is only twenty-two and heavily burdened by the need to support the household on a low salary. Despite this burden, however, he’s described as content, quiet, and good-natured. He loves Della and sells his prized watch, passed down from his grandfather, in order to buy fancy combs for Della’s beautiful hair.

Jim Quotes in The Gift of the Magi

The The Gift of the Magi quotes below are all either spoken by Jim or refer to Jim. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
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The Gift of the Magi Quotes

The "Dillingham" had been flung to the breeze during a former period of prosperity when its possessor was being paid $30 per week. Now, when the income was shrunk to $20, though, they were thinking seriously of contracting to a modest and unassuming D. But whenever Mr. James Dillingham Young came home and reached his flat above he was called "Jim" and greatly hugged by Mrs. James Dillingham Young, already introduced to you as Della. Which is all very good.

Related Characters: Della, Jim
Related Literary Devices:
Page Number: 1
Explanation and Analysis:

Only $1.87 to buy a present for Jim. Her Jim. Many a happy hour she had spent planning for something nice for him. Something fine and rare and sterling--something just a little bit near to being worthy of the honor of being owned by Jim.

Related Characters: Jim
Page Number: 2
Explanation and Analysis:

Now, there were two possessions of the James Dillingham Youngs in which they both took a mighty pride. One was Jim's gold watch that had been his father's and his grandfather's. The other was Della's hair. Had the queen of Sheba lived in the flat across the airshaft, Della would have let her hair hang out the window some day to dry just to depreciate Her Majesty's jewels and gifts. Had King Solomon been the janitor, with all his treasures piled up in the basement, Jim would have pulled out his watch every time he passed, just to see him pluck at his beard from envy.

Related Characters: Della, Jim
Related Literary Devices:
Page Number: 2
Explanation and Analysis:

It was a platinum fob chain simple and chaste in design, properly proclaiming its value by substance alone and not by meretricious ornamentation--as all good things should do. It was even worthy of The Watch. As soon as she saw it she knew that it must be Jim's. It was like him. Quietness and value--the description applied to both.

Related Characters: Della, Jim
Related Symbols: Jim’s gold watch
Related Literary Devices:
Page Number: 3
Explanation and Analysis:

Jim was never late. Della doubled the fob chain in her hand and sat on the corner of the table near the door that he always entered. Then she heard his step on the stair away down on the first flight, and she turned white for just a moment. She had a habit for saying little silent prayer about the simplest everyday things, and now she whispered: "Please God, make him think I am still pretty."

Related Characters: Della (speaker), Della, Jim
Related Literary Devices:
Page Number: 3
Explanation and Analysis:

And here I have lamely related to you the uneventful chronicle of two foolish children in a flat who most unwisely sacrificed for each other the greatest treasures of their house. But in a last word to the wise of these days let it be said that of all who give gifts these two were the wisest. O all who give and receive gifts, such as they are wisest. Everywhere they are wisest. They are the magi.

Related Characters: Della, Jim
Related Literary Devices:
Page Number: 5
Explanation and Analysis:
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Jim Character Timeline in The Gift of the Magi

The timeline below shows where the character Jim appears in The Gift of the Magi. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
The Gift of the Magi
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...couch and cries, while the narrator goes on to introduce the young couple, Della and Jim Dillingham Young. The narrator then describes their apartment, remarking upon its cheapness—8 dollars a week—and... (full context)
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...is still at a loss for how she might buy a Christmas present worthy of Jim. She suddenly remembers the pier-glass—a sort of thin mirror between the windows of the apartment—and... (full context)
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Della spends the next two hours looking for a perfect present for Jim. She decides finally on a simple platinum chain for Jim’s watch, comparing the watch’s lack... (full context)
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Della returns home to fix her hair into curls and prepare dinner before waiting for Jim at the door. She says a little prayer hoping that Jim will still find her... (full context)
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When Jim enters the door, he freezes, staring at Della’s hair without expression. Della runs to Jim... (full context)
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...combs that she had coveted for her hair. She shrieks in joy before crying, and Jim comforts her before she remembers her own present to Jim. She pulls out the watch... (full context)
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Jim flops down on the couch and smiles, saying that they should put their presents away... (full context)