The Gift of the Magi
What word of consolation does Della offer to Jim regarding the uselessness of his gift for her?
What happens when Della shows Jim the gift she bought for him?
In "The Gift of the Magi," Della offers Jim words of consolation by telling him that even though his gift for her may now be useless, it doesn't matter because they still have each other and their love.
When Della shows Jim the gift she bought for him, he is initially shocked and speechless. The gift turns out to be a chain for Jim's prized pocket watch, which he had recently sold to buy combs for Della's hair. Jim reveals that he sold his watch to get the money to buy Della's combs, but since Della cut her hair to buy him a chain, they each sacrificed something to show their love. Despite their sacrificed gifts being useless, they both recognize the value of their love and the depth of their willingness to give for each other.