The Gift of the Magi

How much money did Della have on Christmas Eve?

$1.87

What are some possible themes of this story?

1)Love is more valuable than material things. 2)It is the thought that counts in gift giving.

Why does Della misunderstand Jim's reaction?

Della believes that Jim's reaction means that he does not like her hair cut, he does not think she is beautiful anymore, and he will no longer love her. In reality, he was just surprised because it made his present for her worthless.

What is the central conflict?

Della does not have enough money to buy Jim (her husband) a good present.

What does the watch chain symbolize?

Della's love for Jim

What does the mailbox symbolize?

It symbolizes prosperity and when the name "blows off" of it, it represents the poor financial state they have entered.

How do Jim and Della feel towards each other?

Jim and Della love and value each other very much. This can be shown through the sacrifices they make for each other.

How does Jim react when he sees that Della cut her hair?

Jim doesn't say anything and freezes. He stares at her because he can't believe that it is actually gone.

How does Jim react to the watch chain? Why does he react this way?

Jim sits down, leans back, and smiles. He is not mad that this chain is now worthless. He appreciates the irony and knows that the material things don't really matter.

What do the combs symbolize?

Jim's love for Della

How is the end of this story ironic?

The end of this story is ironic because we expect them to enjoy their presents for each other, but they end up completely worthless due to the sacrifices made for each other.

Which events form the resolution?

The resolution is when they buy each other useless gifts because of the sacrifices they had previously made.

Jim sold what to buy Della what?

his watch ; combs

What is the tone of this story?

The tone of this story is ironic because of its situational irony or surprise ending.

"...Coney Island chorus girl..." and "They are the magi." are what?

They are forms of figurative language such as similes and metaphors that are used to create the tone and theme.

"... on the shabby little couch." and "Her eyes were shining brilliantly..." are what?

They are imagery that appeal to the sense of sight by creating a mental picture of the couch and her expression and feelings.

What does Della's hair and Jim's watch symbolize?

They represent beauty, value, and sacrifice.

Della sold her hair to buy Jim a pocket watch chain. What does this suggest about her character?

This shows that she is selfless and will make sacrifices for those she loves.

Della sold what to buy Jim what?

her hair ; pocket watch chain