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The Gift of the Magi is one of the most popular short stories by the famous American writer O. Henry, written in 1905. The author touchingly told about the best Christmas gifts that the Youngs, a couple in love, gave each other, about their sincerity of feelings, ability to sacrifice and true wisdom.

The novella became the centrepiece of his first collection of short stories, Four Million (1906), dedicated to the giant city of New York, which then had four million inhabitants. This collection gave its author, who became famous only at the age of forty, a huge success and popularity.

For his short story "The Gifts of the Magi", the author chose a rather symbolic title with biblical overtones. The Magi are wise men who came with gifts to greet Jesus Christ on his birthday. According to legend, their gifts were precious incense. This event gave rise to the custom of giving gifts to one's loved ones at Christmas, which is what the young couple in O. Henry's novel tried to do. Both characters were able to give up their treasure for the sake of their beloved. The author calls them true wise men, because their wisdom is not in material gifts, but in their love and devotion to each other, their ability to sacrifice for love.

It should also be noted that this work by a prominent author has autobiographical aspects. Firstly, he wrote off the appearance of the heroine of the novel, Della, from his beloved wife, Etol. Secondly, there was a similar situation in his life. When O. Henry's wife became seriously ill, he was away from home, abroad, hiding from the threat of imprisonment. Having no money for medicines, she sold her lace shawl and bought her husband a Christmas present - a gold watch chain, which she sent him by post. However, this gift from his wife was no longer of any use to O. Henry. When he received the news of his beloved wife's serious condition, he sold his watch and bought a train ticket to return to her and support her in her time of need, despite the real threat of going to prison.

The Gift of the Magi has become one of O. Henry's best and most popular novels. The author's soul is felt in it, the most striking features of his talent are visible, and it gives people faith in love.

The performer: Ruslan Drapalyuk
• Duration: 17 minutes and 20 seconds