Class 10 English - MAHARASHTRA
Prose: The Gift of the Magi
The Gift of the Magi, a classic short story by O. Henry included in the Maharashtra State Board Class 10 Kumarbharati syllabus, narrates the poignant tale of a impoverished young married couple, Jim and Della. Set on Christmas Eve, both secretly sacrifice their most prized possession—Della's beautiful hair and Jim's gold pocket watch—to buy each other a meaningful holiday gift. This chapter matters significantly for board exams as it tests students' understanding of deep themes like selfless love, irony, sacrifice, and the true meaning of gift-giving, frequently featuring in comprehension passages, character sketches, and appreciation questions.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Situational Irony
A literary device where actions have an effect that is opposite from what was intended, perfectly demonstrated when Jim and Della's sacrifices render their gifts useless yet immensely valuable.
The Magi
Reference to the wise men from the biblical nativity story who brought precious gifts to the baby Jesus; O. Henry compares Jim and Della to them because their foolish, sacrificial gifts are actually the wisest.
Selfless Sacrifice
The core theme where both husband and wife willingly give up their most cherished worldly possessions out of pure, unconditional love for one another.
Poverty and Dignity
The story highlights the couple's financial struggle living in a modest $8-a-week furnished flat, yet maintaining their emotional wealth and mutual respect.
O. Henry Ending (Twist)
A signature storytelling technique of the author featuring an unexpected, clever plot twist at the end of the narrative.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Maharashtra (Kumarbharati) Class 10 English paper, this prose chapter typically carries around 4 to 6 marks. Questions frequently appear as unseen/seen passage comprehension, factual and complex factual queries, appreciation of the story's theme or irony, and character sketches of Jim and Della.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does O. Henry call Jim and Della the wisest of all gift-givers?
He calls them the wisest because, like the Magi, their gifts were motivated by profound love and selflessness, making them the wisest givers of all.
What were Jim and Della's most prized possessions?
Della's long, beautiful hair that reached below her knee, and Jim's gold pocket watch that had once belonged to his father and grandfather.
What is the main message or moral of The Gift of the Magi?
The story conveys that material things are temporary and insignificant compared to genuine love, sacrifice, and devotion in a relationship.
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