The Gift of the Magi

1. 1. In the opening of the story, what is Della concerned about?

• A. Her husband is earning less money than he did previously.

• B. There is a gray cat walking along their fence.

• C. She does not have enough money to buy her husband a proper present.

2. 2. O. Henry's purpose in writing the "The Gift of the Magi" was to______.

• A. show that the best gifts come from the heart.

• B. poke fun at people like Jim and Della

• C. retell the Christmas story in a modern setting

3. 3. The climax of the story ......

• A. Jim coming home to find Della.

• B. When Della opens her gift.

• C. The exchange of gifts between Jim and Della.

4. 4. Where does the story take place (setting)?

• A. New York City, 1900s

• B. North Pole, 1850s

• C. Elmore, Arkansas, 1950s

5. 5. How does the setting impact the story?

• A. Christmas time informs the reader that giving is an important element of the story.

• B. Being set a long time ago, it helps us understand why they are poor.

• C. Winter time informs the reader that the character's actions will be similarly cold.

5. 6. How much money did Della have saved?

• A. $20

• B.$21.87

• C. $1.87

6. What was the perfect gift that Della got Jim?

• A. platinum fob chain

• B. leather watch chain

• C. jeweled watch chain

7. 7. "Love and large-hearted giving, when added together, can leave deep marks."

   Why does O. Henry emphasize this line in a story after Della buys her present for Jim's gold watch?

• A. He emphasizes the importance of generosity.

• B. He emphasizes the importance of selfless sacrifice.

• C. He emphasizes the importance of big-heartedness.

9. 9. In the Gift of the Magi, what do the Comb and The Gold Chain symbolize in line with the story?

• A. A selfless act of giving is a valid form of love.

• B. Possessions are essential to keep a lasting relationship.

• C. There is nothing valuable less than their great love for each other.

10. 10. "ONE DOLLAR AND EIGHTY-SEVEN CENTS. That was all. She had put it aside, one cent and then another and then another, in her careful buying of meat and other food."

    What does this line want to convey about their status in life?

• A. They are well-provided.

• B. They have a luxurious life.

• C. They are underprivileged.