The Gift of the Magi

Della only has ______ to spend on a Christmas present for her husband.

• $1.87

• $2.37

• $8.21

• $12.54

“There was nothing to do but flop down on the shabby little

bed and cry.” This quotation shows Della’s sense of _________.

• responsibility

• anger

• grief

• helplessness

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

• nothing

• flop

• shabby

• howl

Della wants a proper watch chain for Jim because his beautiful watch was often ____ .

• stopping.

• hidden.

• made of silver.

• taken out.

When Jim comes home from work, the description of his clothing also accentuates the young couple’s poverty, “He needed a new overcoat and he was without ______.”

• a scarf

• boots

• gloves

• all of these

A theme presented in 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

Read the line from the story.

Della’s beautiful hair fell about her, shining like a falling stream of brown water.

This line is an example of ______.

• alliteration

• simile

• rhyme

• metaphor

When Jim gets home he looks at Della in a strange way she thinks it is because ____, but it is because. ____.

• he no longer thinks she is pretty ... he bought combs for her long hair.

• he doesn't like short hair ... her hair is long.

• he thinks she is beautiful ... she cut her hair.

• he doesn't like his gift ... he loves it.

After reading “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry, identify and explain Della’s perception of happiness. Was Della destroyed by her perception of happiness? Use two details from the text to support your answer.

Reflection Question

How can you apply one of the themes from the story in your own life?