Biblical Allusions in O. Henry
Christmas Story Full of Religious References
William Sydney Porter assumes his reader's have a solid knowledge of the Bible and will not only recognize but understand the allusions he uses in Gift of the Magi.
Maybe the hairs of my head were numbered: After several attempts to make Jim understand that she cut off her hair, Della desperately cries out to her husband “Maybe the hairs of my head were numbered," she went on with sudden serious sweetness, "but nobody could ever count my love for you. Shall I put the chops on, Jim?" Her cry is a direct reference to an incident in the Bible where Jesus explains how deep God’s love is for His children.
“Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.” Luke 12:6-7 6
This allusion does two things, it clearly indicates the depth of Della’s love for Jim and it also indicates Della’s understanding of God’s love.
The Magi: Traditionally the church viewed the magi as being kings. However, most churches believe that the magi were priests or court advisers who traveled to Bethlehem from Mesopotamia (the area of ancient Babylon). It was common for astrologers to view any unusual astronomical activity as being a sign announcing the birth of new king. It is believed that the ‘star’ that the Wiseman saw was either or supernova or some supernatural occurrence.
The gifts that the magi gave are considered to be prophetic gifts. Gifts that recognized Jesus’ role as King and Savior. Gold symbolized Christ’s kingship on earth. Frankincense (an incense) symbolized Christ’s role as priest. Myrrh (which was commonly used as an embalming substance) symbolized Jesus’ death on the cross.
Porter ties up the novel with a homily that does full homage to our understanding of the Magi when he writes
The magi, as you know, were wise men--wonderfully wise men--who brought gifts to the Babe in the manger. They invented the art of giving Christmas presents. Being wise, their gifts were no doubt wise ones, possibly bearing the privilege of exchange in case of duplication. 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.
Or as Rena Korb suggests it is not a sentimental story as some think; rather O. Henry provides us with a universal truth because he gives to “readers a heroine and hero they can understand and thus learn from. At the same time that the reader is learning about the power of selflessness, so too are Jim and Delia learning: that their most precious possessions are not something they will ever own, but each other.”
Sources
Rena Korb. "The Gift of the Magi: Varying Critical Opinions About O. Henry's Work." Short Stories for Students. Ed. Marie Rose Napierkowski. Vol. 2. Detroit: Gale, 1998. eNotes.com. January 2006. 3 December 2007.
For More about Gift of the Magi by O. Henry Read
For more about monarchs in Gift of the Magi read: Allusions to Kings in O. Henry
