The Gift of the Magi

by O. Henry

The Gift of the Magi: Setting 1 key example

Definition of Setting

Setting is where and when a story or scene takes place. The where can be a real place like the city of New York, or it can be an imagined... read full definition
Setting is where and when a story or scene takes place. The where can be a real place like the city of New York, or... read full definition
Setting is where and when a story or scene takes place. The where can be a real place like the... read full definition
Setting
Explanation and Analysis:

"The Gift of the Magi" is set in an unnamed American city around the turn of the 20th century. Given that O. Henry did much of his writing in New York City (the title of the story collection The Four Million refers to the city's population in that era), it makes sense to suppose that "The Gift of the Magi" takes place there, too. At one point, Della compares herself to "A Coney Island chorus girl," referring to the Brooklyn neighborhood and its entertainment venues, which makes a New York setting very likely.