The internal conflict in ‘The Gift of the Magi’ revolves around the characters’ desires to express their love for one another through self-sacrifice. Della and Jim, the main characters, both face the struggle of wanting to give each other the perfect Christmas gift while being acutely aware of their limited financial resources.
Della’s internal turmoil is evident when she grapples with her long hair, which she decides to sell to buy a platinum chain for Jim’s prized possession, his watch. Her decision illustrates her deep love for Jim, yet it also highlights her desperation and the pain of parting with something she cherishes.
On the other hand, Jim faces his own conflict when he decides to sell his watch, the very item that Della plans to enhance with the gift she buys for him. His internal struggle reflects his determination to make Della happy, but it also reveals the irony and sadness of their situation.
Ultimately, their internal conflicts culminate in a poignant revelation about the nature of love and sacrifice. Both characters’ choices to give up their most valued possessions illustrate that true love often involves putting someone else’s happiness above one’s own desires, even if that means facing a bittersweet outcome.