This story beautifully contrasts two different types of gifts: one that is meaningful and personal, and the other that is luxurious but impersonal. The narrator carefully chooses to gift Diane a hand-painted stone of her cat Mittens, an act of love and effort, and a Gucci handbag, a symbol of wealth and status. Through this gesture, the narrator seeks to gauge Diane’s true nature, hoping to see which gift she treasures more.
At first, Diane’s dismissive reaction to the hand-painted stone makes it clear that she values material wealth over sentimental effort. The stone, though carefully crafted, is dismissed as “folksy,” while the Gucci bag immediately catches her attention in a way that reveals her preference for status symbols.
The turning point comes when Richard, who has always been supportive of the narrator, calls out his mother’s behavior. He demands respect for his wife, making it clear that both gifts, though vastly different in nature, came from a place of care and thoughtfulness. Diane’s reaction, however, still reflects her deep attachment to wealth and social prestige, as she clings to the Gucci bag while ignoring the sentiment behind the stone.
In the end, the story shows that Diane has failed the test, as her actions reveal what truly matters to her—wealth and material goods. The narrator, however, walks away knowing that their values are not aligned with Diane’s, but the Gucci bag will always serve as a reminder of her true nature.
