Liceo de Cagayan UniversityCollege of Education

S.Y. 2015-2016

The Gift of MagiBy O. Henry

A Feminist Approach

Submitted to:

Ignatius Joseph N. Estroga, MA-EngInstructor

Submitted by:

Selim, Eden MaeMugot, NathanielSaberon, LouellaAguilar, Lovelle

The Gift of the MagiBy O. Henry

Feminist Literary Criticism Approach

Feminism is an approach used by critics who try to correct predominantly male-dominated critical perspective with a feminist consciousness. This type of literary criticism approach aims to establish equality between the males and females, or sometimes, female superior to male.

Subject of Criticism: Mrs Della Dillingham, wife of Mr James ‘Jim’ Dillingham Young

Issues Cited:1. Women granted with no jobs

The first issue can be extracted from the implications given in the 5th paragraph of the story where Della waits for Jim to come home and hugs him. Inferred also from the said paragraph is that Jim’s meagre salary of $20 is what the couple only depends on.

2. Women compelled to impress the men

The second issue is implied since the conflict revolves around it --- the intense desire of Della to make Jim happy by purchasing something fine, rare, and sterling --- something just a little bit near to being worthy of the honour of being owned by Jim. In the sense of physical beauty, the part where Della is worried that Jim wouldn’t like her new short-hair look also reflects the issue.

Guide Questions 1. How do male and female characters relate to one another?

The female in the story is very dependent to the male character. The manifestation can be found on the paragraph where Della is very determined to find a solution to her problem just to please Jim.

Tomorrow would be Christmas Day, and she had only $1.87 with which to buy Jim a present. She had been saving every penny she could for months, with this result.

This relationship became a source of conflict because Della’s actions are limited to Jim’s happiness. This supports the notion that men have a hold on women’s actions and emotions. Women, as portrayed in the story, become much attached to the men they love to the point sacrifices are made.

"Will you buy my hair?" asked Della. "I buy hair," said Madame. "Take your hat off and let's have a sight at the looks of it." Down rippled the brown cascade.

"Twenty dollars," said Madame, lifting the mass with a practiced hand. "Give it to me quick," said Della.

2. Does the literary work affirm traditional views of women?

It affirms the traditional view that women are for domestic chores only. Since the earliest eras, women are treated as weaklings and believed that they cannot perform the tasks men do. Very different from today where women are given the chance to prove their worth in various career areas and compete with men. There are even times that career women surpass the men in their respective fields.

3. How do the images of women in the story reflect patriarchal social forces that have impeded women’s efforts to achieve full equality of men?

Lack of privileges impeded the women to do certain things. One privilege that is clearly deprived is the prerogative of the women to land a job. If only Della has a stable job, she could have bought Jim a presentable Christmas gift without selling her precious hair. Also, she could have helped Jim paying their household expenses and not merely depending on Jim’s $20 a week.