"The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry
Jim's gold watch, his finest possession, is a family heirloom, inherited from his _______.
Father
How much did Mrs. Sophie give to Della for her hair?
$20.00
O. Henry references the Magi in both the title and the story itself. What kind of literary device is this?
Allusion
Which of the following pieces of textual evidence best demonstrates the theme of the story?
Dell," said he, "let's put our Christmas presents away and keep 'em a while. They're too nice to use just at present. I sold the watch to get the money to buy your combs. And now suppose you put the chops on."
Which event happened last?
Della bought Jim a gift.
Why does Jim react so strangely when Della tells him she has sold her hair?
He has bought a gift for her that is no longer usable.
Which inference can be best made about Jim?
He is caring.
Which figurative language technique is used in the sentence: "I couldn't have lived without giving you a present."
Hyperbole
The story uses the literary device known as _______________ or a situational twist in plot that the reader may not guess or expect.
Irony
For which of the following reasons does the author most likely include the story of the magi in the last paragraph?
It shows that Della and Jim represent the spirit of giving through love.
What is the BEST example of irony in the story?
Jim expected his wife to have hair in which to wear the combs he bought her.
In the opening of the short story, what is Della concerned about?
She does not have enough money to buy her husband a proper present.
What is Della's concern as she waits for Jim to come home?
She is concerned that he will no longer think she is pretty.
Which inference can be best made about Della?
She wants to please Jim
What was Jim's most prized possession?
his pocket watch
What was Della's present for Jim?
a chain for his watch
"Life is made up of sobs, sniffles and smiles ..." is an example of ____.
alliteration
What was Jim's present for Della? (pg. 5)
combs
What was Della's most prized possession?
her hair
Which of the following terms bests describes Jim and Della's marriage?
loving
Della and Jim's apartment can best be described as
poor
Della's decision to sell her hair to buy a proper present for Jim can best be described as a ___________________
sacrifice for love
O. Henry's purpose in writing "The Gift of the Magi" was to
show that the best gifts come from the heart
Which type of irony is portrayed in the story?
situational
The narrator compares Della and Jim to the magi because
they were like "wise men", knowing that their sacrificial love was the most important part of their gift.
