Quiz on 'The Gift of the Magi'

"There was clearly nothing to do but flop down on the shabby little couch and howl. So Della did it. Which instigates the moral reflection that life is made up of sobs, sniffles, and smiles, with sniffles predominating." What does instigates mean in the passage?

• To provoke or stir up
  

• To soothe or calm

• To avoid or delay

• To silence or quiet

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

What is the best synonym for "possessions" in the context of the passage?

• Achievements

• Belongings

• Desires

• Hobbies

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

What is the primary conflict that Della and Jim face in "The Gift of the Magi"?

• They struggle to find the perfect Christmas gifts for each other.

• They are torn between their love for each other and their desire for material possessions.

• They face financial hardship and are unable to afford basic necessities.

• They disagree about how to spend their limited income.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.10

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RL.2.3

CCSS.RL.4.3

CCSS.RL.4.4

What is the significance of the irony in the story's climax?

• It highlights the importance of communication in relationships.

• It emphasizes the contrast between the characters' intentions and the outcome of their actions.

• It reveals the true nature of their love for each other.

• It underscores the importance of material possessions in a relationship.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.10

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RL.2.3

CCSS.RL.4.3

CCSS.RL.4.4

What is the main message that "The Gift of the Magi" conveys about the true meaning of giving?

• The best gifts are those that are expensive and luxurious.

• The value of a gift lies in its monetary worth.

• The most meaningful gifts are those that are given with love and sacrifice.

• The true meaning of giving is to receive something in return.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Why does Della sell her hair?

• She wanted a change in her appearance.

• She needed money to buy a gift for Jim.

• She thought Jim didn’t appreciate her hair.

• She was influenced by the shopkeeper.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.1

CCSS.RI.11-12.1

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Why is Jim’s reaction to Della’s gift unexpected?

• He is angry that she sold her hair.

• He doesn’t like the gift she bought him.

• He has sold his own prized possession to buy her a gift.

• He already owns a watch chain.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.10

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RL.2.3

CCSS.RL.4.3

CCSS.RL.4.4

What does Della’s hair symbolize in the story?

• Her vanity

• Her love and sacrifice

• Her independence

• Her immaturity

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

The story is titled “The Gift of the Magi.” Why are Della and Jim compared to the magi?

• They gave each other thoughtful and wise gifts.

• They were both tricked into selling their prized possessions.

• They valued material items over love.

• They regretted their choices.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

What is the tone of the narrator throughout the story?

• Critical and sarcastic

• Sympathetic and reflective

• Joyful and humorous

• Formal and detached

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4