Exploring The Gift of the Magi

Della and Jim, a poor couple, each sacrifice their most prized possession to buy a Christmas gift for the other. Della sells her hair to buy a chain for Jim's watch, while Jim sells his watch to buy combs for Della's hair. Despite their seemingly unwise actions, their love and sacrifice make them wise like the Magi.

Why was Della despondent at the beginning of the story?

• She had only saved $1.87 for Jim's gift.

• She lost her job.

• Jim was sick.

• She couldn't find a gift for Jim.

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CCSS.RL.2.10

CCSS.RL.2.2

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What did Della decide to do to buy a special gift for Jim?

• Sell her old coat.

• Sell her long hair.

• Borrow money from a friend.

• Work extra hours.

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CCSS.RL.2.10

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RL.2.3

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How much money did Della receive for selling her hair?

• $20

• $10

• $25

• $15

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CCSS.RL.2.10

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RL.2.3

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CCSS.RL.4.4

What did Della buy for Jim with the money she got from selling her hair?

• A pair of shoes

• A new coat

• A silver chain

• A gold ring

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CCSS.RL.2.10

CCSS.RL.2.2

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CCSS.RL.4.3

CCSS.RL.4.4

What was Della worried about when she returned home?

• Jim's reaction to her short hair

• The quality of the dinner

• The cost of the gift

• The weather

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CCSS.RI.6.1

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RL.7.1

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CCSS.RL.9-10.2

How did Jim react when he first saw Della's short hair?

• He cried.

• He got angry.

• He was silent and shocked.

• He laughed.

Why did Della cut her hair?

• She was forced to.

• She wanted to buy a gift for Jim.

• She was tired of long hair.

• She wanted a new look.

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CCSS.RL.2.10

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RL.2.3

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What did Jim buy for Della?

• A bracelet

• A necklace

• A set of combs

• A dress

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CCSS.RL.2.10

CCSS.RL.2.2

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What did Jim sell to buy the combs for Della?

• His hat

• His gold watch

• His shoes

• His coat

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CCSS.RL.2.10

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RL.2.3

CCSS.RL.4.3

CCSS.RL.4.4

What is the main theme of 'The Gift of the Magi'?

• Friendship and loyalty

• Love and sacrifice

• Adventure and excitement

• Wealth and poverty

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2