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Symbols are objects, characters, figures, or colors used to represent abstract ideas or concepts.

The strongest example of symbolism in the story is the gifts Jim and Della give each other. Since the combs and watch chain are useless without the treasures they are intended to showcase, they instead function as a symbol of the couple’s love for each other. The hair and watch have their own symbolism as well. Della’s beautiful, exceptionally long hair symbolizes her youth, femininity, and beauty. The fact that Della’s hair reaches below her knee indicates she’s devoted significant time and energy to growing it, and signals its sentimental value. The act of cutting such an important part of herself symbolizes sacrifice. Similarly, Jim’s gold watch is a family heirloom that symbolizes legacy, pride, and timeless value. It’s the only valuable thing Jim owns, and by selling it, he symbolically sacrifices these core parts of his identity in much the same way Della does. Their choice to sacrifice their most valuable possessions symbolizes not only their love, but selflessness and generosity. The narrator believes Della and Jim’s gifts to be good and wise and uses the magi at the end of the story to symbolize this wisdom. These symbols of religious wisdom are foreshadowed early in the story with references to the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon, both wise figures from the Christian Bible’s Old Testament.

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