The Gift of the Magi

How does the first paragraph develop the plot of the story?

• It illustrates how rude Della is.

• It illustrates how independent Della is.

• It illustrates how expensive it is to live in London.

• It illustrates how concerned with money Della is.

Which of the following answer choices best states a theme from the story?

• Your status doesn’t define you.

• Beauty isn’t everything.

• It’s the thought that counts.

• Unselfish love is the greatest gift.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

Which of the following pieces of textual evidence best demonstrates the theme of the story?

• “One dollar and eighty-seven cents. That was all. And sixty cents of it was in pennies.”

• "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."

• “Isn't it a dandy, Jim? I hunted all over town to find it.”

• “The magi, as you know, were wise men--wonderfully wise men.”

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

What is the purpose of paragraph 5’s discussion of the name “Dillingham”?

• It acts as a symbol of their decreasing wealth.

• It shows that they do not like their last name.

• It shows that last names are not important.

• It shows that Jim comes from a wealthy family but is not worthy of the family name.

What does the term “pier-glass” mean, as it is used in paragraph 7?

• decorative glass

• a mirror

• a wall

• a shiny floor

Which detail from the text best supports the answer to the meaning of the word pier-glass?

• “Perhaps you have seen a pier-glass in an $8 flat.” (Paragraph 7)

• “…by observing his reflection…” (Paragraph 7)

• “Della, being slender, had mastered the art.” (Paragraph 7)

• “…whirled from the window and stood before the glass.” (Paragraph 8)

Reread paragraph 45. How are Jim and Della similar to the Magi?

• Jim and Della are shopping for Christmas presents; the Magi invented the tradition of giving Christmas presents

• Jim and Della make great sacrifices to give each other special Christmas gifts

• Jim and Della are poor, and cannot give each other what they want for Christmas

• Jim and Della are deeply religious, and hold the Magi in high esteem

What is Della’s concern as she waits for Jim to come home?

• She worries that Jim won’t like the present.

• She is concerned that he won’t like the chops that she is making for dinner.

• She is concerned because Jim is arriving home later than usual.

• She is concerned that he will no longer think she is pretty.

How is the idea of family portrayed in the story?

• A mother with many children

• two parents and a baby

• a husband and wife

• a husband, a wife, and their friends

Della’s hair and Jim’s watch have always been a source of ____________ for the two of them.

• pride

• shame

• happiness

• nervousness