The gift of the Magi

The Gift of the Magi

“The Gift of the Magi” Questions for Critical Reading

Review these questions. Take time to create your responses.

1.  What instances of irony exist in the short story?

The wife cuts her hair and the husband bought her a set of combs her Christmas.

2. Why would O. Henry put an emphasis on the number three for the story?

1. -The story has three main characters: Della, Jim, and Madame Sophronie
2. -Della counts her money three times (para. 1).
3. -The narrator says that “Life is made up of sobs, sniffles, and smiles” (para. 2).
4. -A reference is made to the Queen of Sheba, who gave King Solomon three types 
of gifts: spices, gold, and jewels.
5. -A sentence in para. 5 states, “She stood by the window and looked out dully at 
a grey cat walking a grey fence in a grey backyard.”
6. -The narrator alliteratively describes Della as speaking with “sudden serious 
sweetness.”
7. -The story centers on three valuables: Jim’s gold watch, Della’s hair, and the love 
that Jim and Della share.
1. THis
2. TT      This is an allusion to the three wise men.

3.  Who is the protagonist? Who or what is the antagonist?

The protagonist is Della. The antagonist is poverty.

4. How would the story change if the setting were different? Would this be an effective story if it were set in today’s time?

This story would not be as effective because the values of gifts and of people are not the same as they were a long time ago today.

5. Is there foreshadowing in the story?

When Della talks about how much the husband loves his watch and how much he looks at it, it is clear that the watch will some how disappear.

6. Does the story end the way that you expect? Why or why not?

No, I did not expect their gifts to correlate with what they had given up for eachother.

7. Several passages in the story give subtle clues about Jim. Identify at least three passages that reveal aspects of Jim’s character and explain their significance. 

"Something just a little bit near of worthy of the honor of being owned by Jim."

He says he is called by his full name when he is not home but when he is home he is called Jim. This shows that he is professional.

He looks at his watch a lot so he is diligent and serious.

He sold his favorite watch for Della so that shows that he is loving and caring.

 

8. If Della had had short hair in the beginning of the story, what do you think that she would have done/sold in order to pay for the gold chain? Why do you think so?
Sold her clothes

Della probably would have sold another of her prized possession to show her love for Jim.  

9.  What does the story teach about sacrifice?

The story teaches that sometimes even though you sacrifice something for the one you love, the happiness of the other person can be better.

10.  If you had to teach this story as an example of good literature, what elements would you emphasize to your classes?

Foreshadowing and irony.