The Gift of the Magi

How does Della get the money to buy Jim's gift?

• She sells her long hair.

• She secretly has a job.

• She steals money from Jim.

• She borrows money from her mom.

What does Jim end up buying for Della? 

• A new furnished room

• A chain for her watch

• Beautiful combs for her hair

• A fancy dinner and flowers

What is the irony in Jim's gift to Della?

• He buys her hair combs and she does not like them. 

• He buys her hair combs and she has cut off her hair. 

• He does not have enough money in the end to buy her anything.

• He writes a poem about her beautiful hair.

What is ironic about Della's gift to Jim?

• She bought a chain for the watch Jim no longer has.

• She bought the chain with Jim's own money.

• Della did not get a good price for her hair.

• Jim already has a watch chain.

How does the reader know that Jim and Della care deeply for each other?

• They sacrifice their most prized possessions in order to buy the perfect gift.

• Della saved pennies for several months to buy Jim a gift.

• They each wanted to buy something only if it was a good deal.

• They each wanted to buy something that was perfect for the other person.

In "The Gift of the Magi," what does Della think of her hair?

• proud

• ashamed

• indifferent

What role does the setting play in "The Gift of the Magi's" central theme?

• It emphasizes the characters' affluence and privilege.

• It highlights the characters' destitution and simplicity.

• It demonstrates how disconnected from reality the characters are.

• It displays the beautiful possessions of the characters.

Why are Della and Jim compared to the Magi (wise men)? Why are they foolish? Explain your answer thoroughly.

Answer explanation

Della and Jim are compared to the Magi (wise men) because they both demonstrate a great act of self-sacrifice and love for one another. The Magi, or wise men, were wise enough to recognize the importance of the birth of Jesus and traveled from afar to bring him gifts. Similarly, Della and Jim both recognize the importance of the Christmas season and the importance of giving to one another. Della sells her hair to buy Jim a watch, and Jim sells his watch to buy Della a set of combs.

Why are Della and Jim compared to the Magi (wisemen)? Why are they foolish? Explain your answer thoroughly.

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