The Gift of the Magi Love Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Paragraph)

Quote #1

But whenever Mr. James Dillingham Young came home and reached his flat above he was called "Jim" and greatly hugged by Mrs. James Dillingham Young, already introduced to you as Della. Which is all very good. (5)

Della and Jim's love creates a different kind of world just for the two of them, a warmer world than the indifferent outside. In this more intimate world, they go by their first names – it's "Jim," not the more formal "Mr. James Dillingham Young" he presents to outsiders. This private, welcoming world is home, and it's made of their love.

Quote #2

Only $1.87 to buy a present for Jim. Her Jim. Many a happy hour she had spent planning for something nice for him. Something fine and rare and sterling – something just a little bit near to being worthy of the honor of being owned by Jim. (6)

Della is completely dedicated to "her Jim." She spends a great deal of time just thinking about what to get him. In her eyes, Jim is someone very "rare and fine," deserving of something exceptional – quite different from the shabby image he presents on the street.

Quote #3

Oh, and the next two hours tripped by on rosy wings. Forget the hashed metaphor. She was ransacking the stores for Jim's present. (18)

Doing something for Jim makes time move faster for Della than it would otherwise. It's her love for her husband animates her and gives her energy.