The Worn Path and the Gift of Magi

                                                            The Worn Path and the Gift of Magi

Conflicts

• The conflict in The Worn Path are Individual vs Nature and Individual vs Society.  In
• Gift of Magi are Individual vs Individual and Individual vs Society.
• The similarities are that both Jim and Delia and Phoenix are living in poverty.  The difference between the two stories is that Phoenix not only has to face society and being poor but in order to do that she must first face nature and the dangers it poses while on her journey.
• Myth and Symbolism are used represent phoenix in this story.  External conflict is developed throughout the story to show her obstacles and her willingness to overcome them.

Literary Techniques: “The Worn Path”

• Imagery was used to show how treacherous phoenix’s path was through the woods. “On she went. The woods were deep and still. The sun made the pine needles almost o bright to look at, up where the wind rocked.
• Metaphors were used throughout this story, one example would be “She walked slowly, moving side to side with the balance and heaviness of a pendulum”.
• Symbolism is used a displayed as “The Worn Path” which symbolizes the love and devotion she has for her grandson.

Literary Techniques: “The Gift of Magi”

• Situational Irony is used in this story.  Jim and Della both give up their prized possessions to buy the other a gift.  The Irony is that Delia sold her hair which Jim bought combs for and Jim sold his watch which Delia bought a chain for.
• Imagery was used in the story and in the line” and looked out dully at a grey cat walking a grey fence in the grey backyard”.
• Simile is used in the line “Della’s beautiful hair fell like a cascade of brown water”.

Similarities and Differences in “The Worn Path” and “The Gift of Magi”.

• Jim and Dell are very poor and live on a modest income, but their love for each other is great. Love and selflessness is the theme of both these stories. Phoenix is also poor and must deal with the chastising from society.  Her love and selflessness sends her on a journey that she repeats faithfully for her grandson. They each give up something in the name of love.  Jim and Della give up a possession and Phoenix gives up a bit of herself in each journey she makes. These stories are both filled with imagery and allusions, metaphors and similes.  The situational irony in “The Gift of Magi is one of the differences between the two stories. While “The Worn Path” leaves you in suspense as to why Phoenix is making the journey

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