The Gift of the Magi

Why, after Della had informed him that her hair had been sold, did Jim keep looking for it?

• because he bought a gift for Della’s hair

• because he only loves Della’s beautiful hair

• because he likes to sell Della’s hair

• because he thinks Della is more beautiful with longer hair

How does the author describe Jim?

• He is unassuming, thrifty, and perpetually pessimistic.

• He has a fiery spirit, a lively disposition, and turbulent emotions.

• He has an arrogant, icy personality and is quick to assess others' worth in terms of money.

• Jim's unassuming goodness was compared to a platinum watch chain by the speaker.

What was Della’s reaction when she received Jim’s? Why did she react like that? What would you do if you receive a gift that you could not use?

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What was on her mind while waiting for Jim? How did Jim react when she sees Della’s hair? What was Jim’s when he saw their gifts to each other?

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How does this quotation, “Wealth is not necessarily defined by money”, serve to illustrate the theme in the story? Cite pieces of evidence from the reading passage.

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Who is O. Henry and what was his contribution to the Literary World? What was his signature technique (forms, devices, genres) as a writer? 

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Answer explanation

American writer O. Henry is famous for his short stories. His tales romanticized the commonplace—in particular, the life of ordinary people in New York City. His stories often had surprise endings, a device that became identified with his name and cost him critical favour when its vogue had passed.

Do you think it was a wise decision to sacrifice their most prized possessions in order to demonstrate their love? Explain

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How much money did Della count?

• She counted three dollars.

• She counted $1.87.

• She counted .67 cents.

• She counted twenty dollars.

What two things did the James Dillingham Youngs owned that they were proud of?

• a cheap mirror and a gold watch

• Della's hair and a Christmas tree

• Della's hair and a gold watch

• a wig and a gold watch

"The next two hours were like a rosy dream" means that

• Della was very happy.

• Della went to the flower shop.

• Della bought perfume.

• Della was sleepy.