The Gift of the Magi, by O. Henry

“There was nothing to do but flop down on the shabby little couch and howl.” This quotation shows Della’s sense of __________.

• Grief

• Anger

• Helplessness

• Responsibility

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.2.6

“There was nothing to do but flop down on the shabby little couch and howl.” Which word in this quote indicates the couple’s poverty?

• Nothing

• Shabby

• Howl

• Flop

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

What impact does the quote, “Life is made up of sobs, sniffles and smiles …” have on the tone of the selection?

• conflicted

• serious

• gloomy

• happy

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.2.6

“Della finished her cry … and looked out dully at a gray cat walking a gray fence in a gray backyard.” The repetition of the word “gray” reinforces the _________ mood.

• Colorful

• Holiday

• Dreary

• Boring

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

“Had the Queen of Sheba lived in the flat across the airshaft, Della would have let her hair hang out the window … just to depreciate Her Majesty’s jewels and gifts.” This biblical reference alludes to a famous ancient Arabian monarch known for her wealth and beauty. The purpose of this comparison is to show how _____ Della’s hair is.

• Long

• Shiny

• Blond

• Magnificent

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5A

“Within forty minutes her head was covered with tiny, close-lying curls that made her look wonderfully like a truant schoolboy.” What is the effect of O. Henry’s word choice?

• it helps to understand her feelings

• it helps to visualize the haircut

• it shows how upset she was

• it shows the small curls

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.9

CCSS.RI.8.6

CCSS.RI.8.9

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

How does the description of Jim’s clothing contribute to the development of theme?

“He needed a new overcoat and he was without gloves.”

• it illustrates how he dresses for work

• it shows how well dressed he was

• it illustrates the couples poverty

• it shows the season

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

O. Henry’s biblical allusion to the Magi elevates a poor couple’s dilemma about buying Christmas gifts for each other to the level of the New Testament story of the Wise Men. This short story is about two young lovers who sacrifice their most prized possessions; it is a classic example of ________.

• Irony

• Flashback

• Understatement

• Juxtapositioning

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.10

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RL.2.3

CCSS.RL.4.3

CCSS.RL.4.4

The theme of this story is that Jim and Della’s love for each other is much more valuable than any _______.

• Material Gift

• Expensive Dinner

• Person's Opinion

• Verbal Expressions of Love

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

What do the actions of both character’s reveal about them?

• They wish they were rich.

• They value extravagant gifts.

• They do not think ordinary gifts are good enough.

• They want to give a gift as valuable as they think their spouse is.

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3