Both “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry and “The Cabiluwallah” by Rabindranath Tagore demonstrate acts of self-sacrifice and a desire to do something special for others. O. Henry shows that people will go to great lengths to make someone they care about feel special, while Tagore emphasizes the moral obligation to perform favors for others and find personal fulfillment in doing so. Examples of self-sacrifice are evident in Della’s decision to sell her hair for money to buy her husband a Christmas gift, and Mini’s father giving his own money to Rahmun so he can be reunited with his daughter. These instances highlight how individuals make sacrifices in their own choices, aiming not only to please themselves but also create ecstatic experiences for others.
Both of these stories delve into the theme of sacrifice and its impact on decision-making. The authors effectively depict acts of self-sacrifice, despite facing obstacles like financial constraints, appearance concerns, and minimal efforts. For example, Mini’s father disregarded monetary considerations when he discovered Rahmun’s impoverished status and expressed a desire for him to reunite with his daughter. In this section, the writer exposes their thought process and mindset as Mini’s father generously provided Rahmun with money to facilitate the reunion. Similarly, Henry introduces Della’s character directly and without hesitation, emphasizing her kind-heartedness and unwavering love for her husband. Despite having very little money, Della decides to sell her own hair in order to buy a gift for her beloved husband. She approaches Madame to inquire if she would be willing to purchase her hair; Madame responds positively and asks Della to remove her hat so she could examine it. The author showcases Della’s willingness to sacrifice her own hair for the sake of her husband while highlighting how money may be an issue for others but not for Della when she is willing to take such actions. Both authors exemplify acts of self-sacrifice involving money, revealing their underlying message about human behavior in different situations requiring sacrifices.
Tagore portrays the Cabuliwallah as distinct from the other characters in the story at the beginning. While he adorns himself in the traditional attires of his people – loose and soiled garments along with a tall turban – he also carries a bag on his back and boxes of grapes in his hand. However, as the story progresses, the author establishes that Mini’s father’s decision to charitably give away his money is not influenced by the Cabuliwallah’s attire or outward appearance.
When Della reached a point of desperation that only a poor woman can understand, she bravely made the decision to cut off her beautiful, long hair. The purpose behind this sacrifice was to earn enough money to purchase a special gift for her beloved. She had no concerns about her appearance or others’ opinions as she knew it was the sole way to bring a smile to her husband’s face on Christmas day. In just forty minutes, her head became adorned with tiny, tightly-wound curls resembling those of a mischievous schoolboy. She gazed at herself in the mirror for an extended period, carefully examining every detail.
In both short stories, the audience is made aware that a significant amount of effort goes into both situations. The characters in these stories portray different aspects of self-sacrifice. Rahmun consistently goes out of his way to visit Mini at her house because she reminds him of his own daughter. Regardless of the circumstances, he always makes the effort to see her and brings small treats that he can afford. It was not their first meeting; Rahmun had already overcome Mini’s initial fear by bribing her with nuts and almonds, and they had become close friends. Tagore emphasizes that Cabuliwallah is not a bad person, but a friendly man who genuinely enjoys Mini’s company. Tagore himself had once given a beggar a gold coin, reflecting his willingness to give up his possessions to bring happiness to others.
The author’s dedication to writing about self-sacrifice is evident in his short story, where both Della and Jim prioritize each other’s happiness above all else. Della made a journey across town and undertook various tasks to obtain the perfect gift for Jim, while Jim sold his own piece of jewelry to afford a gift for Della. Both characters showed incredible effort and a willingness to do whatever it takes for each other. The author portrays examples of going above and beyond for one another, illustrating that there was no shortage of commitment. Despite Henry being in prison at one point in his life, he continued to write short stories and sell them in order to provide for his daughter. This demonstrates his deep devotion to stories about self-sacrifice.
The authors delve into different events that showcase their true selves, exploring various aspects of selflessness and its significance in our everyday lives. Despite their unique backgrounds and obstacles, as writers they share a common identity and draw inspiration from personal experiences to write about a mutual theme that deeply resonates with them. It is important to acknowledge that teaching the concept of self-sacrifice is not an easy task.
Both stories showcase the characters’ determination to prioritize what truly matters over money and their rejection of superficial influences when it comes to doing good. Moreover, both stories underscore the notion that bringing happiness to others necessitates giving up something, irrespective of one’s wealth. These authors have effectively conveyed their distinct ideas and viewpoints through their individual narratives.
