The gift of the Magi

In this story, the author focuses on three themes: sacrifice, generosity, and most important of all, love. Love is the element which motivates them to sell their most valuable belongings to find Christmas gifts. The gifts that the loving couple buy become symbols of the passionate love that they feel for each other and that will never be destroyed by their poverty. The story suggests two things: that their love for each other makes them very rich and money can’t buy love. Generosity is not only based on one's economic status, but instead, includes that persons intentions of bringing happiness and giving from the heart. Sacrificing your happiness for the happiness of the one you love, demonstrates what love is about. (María del Mar Meléndez)