WorksheetsGift of the Magi
Total questions: 12
Worksheet time: 24mins
What does the narrator mean when they say after Della sold her hair, “Two hours ‘tripped by on rosy wings?”
She was worried
She felt very unhappy
She had ups and downs
She was not thinking clearly
“There was nothing to do but flop down on the shabby little couch and howl.” This quotation shows Della’s sense of __________.
Grief
Anger
Helplessness
Responsibility
“There was nothing to do but flop down on the shabby little couch and howl.” Which word in this quote indicates the couple’s poverty?
Nothing
Shabby
Howl
Flop
“Life is made up of sobs, sniffles and smiles …” is an example of ____.
simile
alliteration
personification
onomatopoeia
What impact does the quote, “Life is made up of sobs, sniffles and smiles …” have on the tone of the selection?
conflicted
serious
gloomy
happy
“Della finished her cry … and looked out dully at a gray cat walking a gray fence in a gray backyard.” The repetition of the word “gray” reinforces the _________ mood.
Colorful
Holiday
Dreary
Boring
“Had the Queen of Sheba lived in the flat across the airshaft, Della would have let her hair hang out the window … just to depreciate Her Majesty’s jewels and gifts.” This biblical reference alludes to a famous ancient Arabian monarch known for her wealth and beauty. The purpose of this comparison is to show how _____ Della’s hair is.
Long
Shiny
Blond
Magnificent
“Within forty minutes her head was covered with tiny, close-lying curls that made her look wonderfully like a truant schoolboy.” What is the effect of O. Henry’s word choice?
it helps to understand her feelings
it helps to visualize the haircut
it shows how upset she was
it shows the small curls
How does the description of Jim’s clothing contribute to the development of theme?
“He needed a new overcoat and he was without gloves.”
it illustrates how he dresses for work
it shows how well dressed he was
it illustrates the couples poverty
it shows the season
O. Henry’s biblical allusion to the Magi elevates a poor couple’s dilemma about buying Christmas gifts for each other to the level of the New Testament story of the Wise Men. This short story is about two young lovers who sacrifice their most prized possessions; it is a classic example of ________.
Irony
Flashback
Understatement
Juxtapositioning
The theme of this story is that Jim and Della’s love for each other is much more valuable than any _______.
Material Gift
Expensive Dinner
Person's Opinion
Verbal Expressions of Love
What do the actions of both character’s reveal about them?
They wish they were rich.
They value extravagant gifts.
They do not think ordinary gifts are good enough.
They want to give a gift as valuable as they think their spouse is.
