The Gift of the Magi

by O. Henry

The Gift of the Magi: Genre 1 key example

Genre
Explanation and Analysis:

"The Gift of the Magi" is a short story. It's part of the literary movement known as realism, which developed in the mid-1800s and aimed to portray everyday life, especially among the middle and lower classes, without idealism. Realism shows up in the clear, unromantic details of Jim and Della's life: the shame of negotiating with merchants to buy everyday items, the dramatic struggle to afford Christmas gifts despite saving money for months, and the threadbare apartment. Though the story also highlights Jim and Della's affectionate marriage and the happiness they share after Jim gets home from a long day at work, it doesn't downplay the hardship of getting by on very little.