高中英语选修课：英语文学欣赏 美国文学《The Gift of the Magi》(《麦琪的礼物》

William Sydney Porter (1862.9.11 – 1910.6.5), known by his pen name O. Henry, was an American writer.

Porter graduated from his aunt’s elementary school in 1876. He then enrolled at the Lindsey Street High School. His aunt continued to tutor him until he was fifteen. In 1879, he started working in his uncle's drugstore, at which he showed off his natural artistic talents by sketching the townsfolk

In 1882, Porter traveled with his friend to Texas, hoping that will do good to his persistent cough. He loved the life there on the farm, and stayed for about 2 years, after which he moved to Austin, where he lived actively as a singer, play actor, chemist, reporter, and a guitar player. At that time, he gradually became popular and was welcomed by the local people for his sense of humor. And the most important thing was that he met Athol Estes, fell in love with her and pursued her.

Athol Estes, then was only seventeen years old and from a wealthy family. Her mother objected to the match because Athol was ill, suffering from tuberculosis. On July 1, 1887, Porter eloped with Athol to the home of Reverend R. K. Smoot, where they were married.

It was his wife Athol that encouraged him to pursue his writing, and Porter tried and finally decided to change his dream of becoming a painter to a writer.

Porter's most prolific writing period started in 1902, when he moved to New York City to be near his publishers. While there, he wrote 381 short stories. He wrote a story a week for over a year for the New York World Sunday Magazine. His wit, characterization, and plot twists were adored by his readers, but often panned by critics.

Porter married again in 1907, to childhood sweetheart Sarah (Sallie) Lindsey Coleman, whom he met again after revisiting his native state of North Carolina.

Porter became a heavy drinker, and his health deteriorated markedly in 1908, which affected his writing. In 1909, Sarah left him, and he died on June 5, 1910

O. Henry's short stories are known for their wit, wordplay, warm characterization, and clever twist endings.Best known short stories: The Cop and the Anthem 1904 《警察与赞美诗》 The Gift of the Magi 1905 《麦基的礼物》 Conscience in Art 1907 《艺术良心》 The Last Leave 1907 《最后一片叶子》 The Ransom of Red Chief 1910 《红酋长的赎金》 ……

The Magi--- are the three wise men coming to sending gifts at the time Jesus was born. They created the custom of sending gifts which represented being respectful, holy and noble to each other at Christmas. Thus in the eyes of western people, Christmas presents are the most precious, hoping they themselves can receive the most valuable gifts.