Della, the protagonist in O. Henry's short story "The Gift of the Magi," cut off her beautiful, long hair and sold it to buy a platinum chain for her husband Jim's prized pocket watch.
She did this because:
- She loved Jim deeply: Della wanted to get Jim the perfect gift for Christmas, and she knew how much he cherished his watch.
- She was incredibly resourceful: Della realized that her hair was her most valuable possession, and she was willing to sacrifice it for her husband's happiness.
- She understood the meaning of true love: Despite the hardship and sacrifice, Della's act reveals the true meaning of love, where giving and receiving are intertwined with selflessness and devotion.
The story highlights the theme of sacrifice and the power of love. Della's act, though seemingly extravagant, underscores the depth of her love for Jim. The story's poignant ending emphasizes the irony of their gifts, as both Jim and Della sold their most valuable possessions to purchase something for the other, unknowingly creating a bittersweet situation.
