Gift of Magi Story Elements

How does the first paragraph develop the plot of the story?

• It illustrates how rude Della is.

• It illustrates how independent Della is.

• It illustrates how expensive it is to live in London.

• It illustrates how concerned with money Della is.

Which of the following pieces of textual evidence best demonstrates the theme of the story?

• “One dollar and eighty-seven cents. That was all. And sixty cents of it was in pennies.”

• "Dell," said he, "let's put our Christmas presents away and keep 'em a while. They're too nice to use just at present. I sold the watch to get the money to buy your combs. And now suppose you put the chops on."

• “Isn't it a dandy, Jim? I hunted all over town to find it.”

• “The magi, as you know, were wise men--wonderfully wise men.”

Which is the best explanation of the name “Dillingham”?

• It acts as a symbol of their decreasing wealth.

• It shows that they do not like their last name.

• It shows that last names are not important.

• It shows that Jim comes from a wealthy family but is not worthy of the family name.

What is Della’s concern as she waits for Jim to come home?

• She worries that Jim won’t like the present.

• She is concerned that he won’t like the chops that she is making for dinner.

• She is concerned because Jim is arriving home later than usual.

• She is concerned that he will no longer think she is pretty.

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

• control

• anger

• loneliness

• helplessness

Which of the following is NOT a symbol in the story?

• Jim's watch

• Della's hair

• The color gray

• The red carpet

“Life is made up of sobs, sniffles and smiles …” is an example of ____.

• similie
• personification
• alliteration
• onomatopoeia

Della looks into the “pier glass between the windows of the room.  … [her] beautiful hair fell about her, rippling and shining like a cascade of brown waters.”  This quotation contains an example of ______.

• simile
• personification
• alliteration
• onomatopoeia

Why does Jim react so strangely when Della tells him she has sold her hair?

• He thinks she looks like a chorus girl.

• He is upset that she didn’t consult him.

• He is ashamed of not being an adequate provider.

• He has bought a gift for her that is no longer usable.

When Della opens her gift, she is overcome with mixed feelings that include all of the following EXCEPT:

• guilt
• despair
• delight
• disbelief