- The Gift of the Magi
  - Author: O. Henry (William Sydney Porter)
    - Known for writing about happiness and sufferings of poor people
    - Famous for twist endings in his stories
  - Plot Summary
    - Characters: Jim and Della, a young couple living in a shabby apartment
      - Jim: owns a golden pocket watch, lacks a watch chain
      - Della: has beautiful long hair, lacks a set of combs
    - Christmas gift dilemma
      - Della sells her hair to buy a chain for Jim's watch
      - Jim sells his watch to buy combs for Della's hair
    - Twist ending: gifts become useless but symbolize their love
  - Themes and Analysis
    - Origin of Christmas gifts
      - Three wise men (Magi) brought gold, frankincense, and myrrh for Jesus
      - Symbolism of gifts: kingship, priesthood, death
    - Social and cultural context
      - Written during the shift from capitalism to imperialism in the USA
      - Consumption culture emphasized purchasing goods to satisfy wants
      - Gifts as symbols and signs of social values
    - Representations of consumption culture
      - Austerity viewed as a shame; lavish expenses encouraged
      - Objects symbolizing virtue, beauty, status, and wealth
        - Jim's gold watch and Della's long hair as sellable goods
      - Desire for possessions driven by consumption
    - Love and material expression
      - Giving gifts as proof of true love
      - Expensive gifts seen as deeper expressions of love
      - Sacrifice of personal heritage for love
    - Psychological aspects of consumption
      - Pleasure and satisfaction from purchasing goods
      - Freedom of choice and disposable income as temptations
      - Escape from monitoring and excitement of a colorful life
  - Conclusion
    - Influence of consumption culture on impoverished lives
    - Love and happiness tied to affordability and consumption patterns