Author's Purpose & Message with "The Gift of The Magi"

The author uses repetition to emphasize--

• the large amount of money

• how important the pennies were

• the meagerness of the amount of money

The author uses the blur of the Dillingham name on the name card in comparison with the loss of earnings in order to help readers understand--

• that the Dillinghams didn't care for visitors

• how much Jim wanted to change his name

• the loss of money and status the Dillinghams had endured 

With the use of the word "dully" and the repetition of "gray" and the meager amount of savings, the writer is able to emphasize--

• Della's sadness

• the hopefulness Della feels

• how much Della and Jim differ from their neighbors

The repetition of "on with" and the use of words like "whirled" and "fluttered," Della's actions help readers understand-- 

• her reluctance

• her decisiveness

The writer used Jim's continued confusion and questions about Della's hair to foreshadow--

• that his love for her would only as last as long as the length of her hair

• that he would soon lose his hearing and sight 

• that the gift he got for Della was to be used on her hair

Which of the following best expresses one of the text's messages? Select TWO.

• It is wise to get gift reciepts.

• People are willing to sacrifice for the ones they love.

• Possessions are more important than people.

• Sometimes actions mean more than items.

• It is foolish to sacrifice for others.