Gift of the Magi

Which answer choice BEST describes how Della responds to selling her hair?

• A

  She regrets that she lost something that took her so long to acquire.

• B

  She is optimistic that the change in her hairstyle will make Jim happy.

• C

  She worries that she still will not have enough money for the family.

• D

  She is delighted that she will be able to buy Jim a thoughtful gift.

What can the reader MOST REASONABLY infer about Jim?

• A

  He values his relationship with Della above everything else.

• B

  He is upset that the combs he bought for Della will go to waste.

• C

  He believes that he will be able to buy a better watch for himself.

• D

  He is concerned that the chain he received is too expensive.

Read the following selection from the story.

But in a last word to the wise of these days let it be said that of all who give gifts, these two were the wisest. Of all who give and receive gifts, such as they are wisest. Everywhere they are wisest. They are the magi.

What does this selection show about the narrator’s point of view?

• A

  The narrator implies that Della and Jim were foolish to sell their possessions.

• B

  The narrator believes that Della and Jim were noble because of their choice of gifts.

• C

  The narrator concludes that Della and Jim had been influenced by the story of the magi.

• D

  The narrator considers the magi to give more thoughtful gifts than Della and Jim did.

Which statement BEST describes Della’s motivation?

• A

  She is generally concerned with status and making money.

• B

  She is primarily interested in making Jim happy.

• C

  She is usually obsessed with receiving gifts.

• D

  She is often disturbed by the choices Jim makes.