wayground logo

Free Printable Worksheets

NEW

Font size

S
M
L
XL
Worksheets

The Gift of the Magi

Total questions: 77

Worksheet time: 6hrs 25mins

Name
Class
Date
1.
At the beginning of the story, which of the following is most upsetting to Della?
a)
the thought of parting with her hair
b)
The thought that short hair may be unattractive
c)
The idea of not having a present good enough for Jim
d)
The possibility that Jim would not be able to buy her a gift
2.
Della's hair and Jim's watch have always made them feel:
a)
proud
b)
nervous
c)
worthy of each other
d)
ashamed of their other possessions
3.
Della chooses the gift she gets for Jim because it:
a)
costs just the right amount
b)
seems to be made for him.
c)
will make his old watch look like new.
d)
is surely nicer than what he has bought her
4.
Why does Jim react so strangely when Della tells him she has sold her hair?
a)
He thinks she looks like a chorus girl
b)
He is upset that she didn't consult him
c)
He is ashamed of not being an adequate provider
d)
He has bought a gift for her that is no longer usable
5.
When Della opens her gift, she is overcome with mixed feelings that include all of the following EXCEPT:
a)
guilt
b)
despair
c)
delight
d)
disbelief
6.
Jim has sold what in order to buy a present for Della?
a)
His family's watch
b)
He didn't sell anything
c)
His shoes
d)
His overcoat
7.
When Jim and Della realize the full extent of what they have done, they:
a)
refuse to believe it
b)
try to make the best of it
c)
look for someone else to blame
d)
make plans to undo what they have done
8.
O. Henry references the Magi in both the title and the story itself. What kind of literary device is this?
a)
Foreshadowing
b)
Allusion
c)
Metaphor
d)
Personification
9.
At the end of the story, Jim puts his gift from Della away for safekeeping because:
a)
it is fragile
b)
it is valuable in terms of money
c)
it is valuable in emotional terms
d)
he doesn't have a current use for it
10.
What type of irony is used in this story?
a)
Situational Irony
b)
Dramatic Irony
c)
Verbal Irony
11.

"There was nothing to do but flop down on the shabby little couch and howl." This quotation shows Della's sense of ___________________

a)

responsibility

b)

anger

c)

grief

d)

helplessness

12.

"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?

a)

nothing

b)

flop

c)

shabby

d)

howl

13.

"Life is made up of sobs, sniffles, and smiles..." is an example of ______________

a)

simile

b)

personification

c)

onomatopoeia

d)

alliteration

14.

"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.

a)

dreary

b)

holiday

c)

colorful

d)

boring

15.

Jim's gold watch, his finest possession, is a family heirloom, inherited from his _______________ .

a)

father

b)

uncle

c)

godfather

d)

father-in-law

16.

Della's finest possession is her hair. "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.

a)

long

b)

magnificent

c)

shiny

d)

blond

17.

Della's hair reaches her ______________.

a)

shoulders

b)

waist

c)

knees

d)

calves

18.

Della tells Madame Sofronie, "Give it to me quick," because Della does not want to ___________________.

a)

cry

b)

tell Jim

c)

waste time

d)

change her mind

19.

Della wants a proper watch chain for Jim because his beautiful watch only has an old __________.

a)

leather strap

b)

worn ribbon

c)

faded band

d)

broken buckle

20.

The theme of this story is that Jim and Della's love for each other is much more valuable than any ___________________.

a)

material gift

b)

expensive dinner

c)

person's opinion

d)

verbal expressions of love

21.

Why does Jim react so strangely when Della tells him she has sold her hair?

a)

He thinks she looks like a chorus girl.

b)

He is upset that she didn’t consult him.

c)

He is ashamed of not being an adequate provider.

d)

He has bought a gift for her that is no longer usable.

22.
How much did Mrs. Sophie give to Della for her hair?
a)
$20.00
b)
$30.00
c)
$50.00
d)
$1.87
23.
What did Jim sell in order to buy Della a gift?
a)
His watch chain
b)
His hair
c)
His walking cane
d)
His pocket watch
24.

What did Della buy Jim for Christmas?

a)

A silver chain for his watch

b)

A new briefcase for work.

c)

A new coat

d)

A new watch

25.

How much money did Della have at the beginning of the story?

a)

21.87

b)

60 cents

c)

1.87

d)

Story did not say

26.

What was the couple's last name?

a)

Young

b)

Dillingham

c)

Solomon

d)

Sofronie

27.

What was Jim's most prized possession?

a)

his father's coat

b)

his pocket watch

c)

his hair

d)

His wife

28.

What was Della's most prized possession?

a)

her hair

b)

a diamond necklace

c)

her mom's ring

d)

her husband

29.

What is the best theme for the story?

a)

to give gifts out of sacrificial love

b)

to tell people what you are getting them for Christmas so mistakes won't happen

c)

to give gifts because they gave you a gift

d)

to save money so when Christmas comes you will have money

30.

Which statement best expresses the theme of the story?

a)

Make sure you give people gifts they can actually use.

b)

Spending time with people you love is more important than getting them gifts.

c)

The love and sacrifice that goes into a gift is more important than the gift itself.

d)

Don't waste money o expensive gifts.

31.

What is the setting of the story?

a)

Paris, France, 2000

b)

New York City, 1900s

c)

East Tennessee, 1890

d)

The Appalachian Mountains, 1925

32.

How was Della feeling at the beginning of the story?

a)

excited because Christmas was tomorrow

b)

proud because she managed to save up money for Jim’s gift

c)

upset because she didn’t have much money to spend on a gift for Jim

d)

concerned because she thought Jim would be upset if he didn’t get a nice gift

33.
When Della opens her gift, she is overcome with mixed feelings that include all of the following EXCEPT:
a)
guilt
b)
despair
c)
delight
d)
disbelief
34.
The exchange of gifts between Jim and Della is the ______.
a)
exposition
b)
rising action
c)
climax
d)
resolution
35.
When we as readers are called upon to think about the sacrifices that Jim and Della make for each other, this is the ______.
a)
falling action
b)
climax
c)
resolution
d)
point of view
36.

Which figurative language technique is used in the sentence: "I couldn't have lived without giving you a present."

a)

onomotopoeia

b)

simile

c)

personification

d)

hyperbole

37.

Which event happened last?

a)

Della bought Jim a gift.

b)

Della went to Madame Sofronie's.

c)

Della cried about only having $1.87.

d)

Della cut her hair.

38.

What is the BEST example of irony in the story?

a)

The magi took gifts to Jesus.

b)

Della cut her most prized possession.

c)

Jim's most prized possession was a watch from his grandfather.

d)

Jim expected his wife to have hair in which to wear the combs he bought her.

39.

The narrator compares Della and Jim to the magi because

a)

they gave each other gifts.

b)

they were like "wise men", knowing that their sacrificial love was the most important part of their gift.

c)

They followed a star to Bethlehem.

d)

They took gifts to Jesus.

40.

What is Della’s concern as she waits for Jim to come home?

a)

She worries that Jim won’t like the present.

b)

She is concerned that he won’t like the chops that she is making for dinner.

c)

She is concerned because Jim is arriving home later than usual.

d)

She is concerned that he will no longer think she is pretty.

41.

Which inference can be best made about Della?

a)

She wants to please Jim.

b)

She is persuaded easily.

c)

She fears being alone.

d)

She is self-absorbed.

42.

For which of the following reasons does the author most likely include the story of the magi in the last paragraph?

a)

It shows that Della and Jim should have given the same gifts as the magi.

b)

It shows that Della and Jim represent the spirit of giving through love.

c)

It shows that Della and Jim need to learn generosity.

d)

It shows that Della and Jim chose poor gifts for one another.

43.

Which inference can be best made about Jim?

a)

He is judgmental.

b)

He is successful.

c)

He is arrogant.

d)

He is caring.

44.

What was Jim's present for Della? (pg. 5)

a)

combs

b)

a necklace

c)

a watch

d)

a wig

45.

Which of the following pieces of textual evidence best demonstrates the theme of the story?

a)

“One dollar and eighty-seven cents. That was all. And sixty cents of it was in pennies.”

b)

"Dell," said he, "let's put our Christmas presents away and keep 'em a while. They're too nice to use just at present. I sold the watch to get the money to buy your combs. And now suppose you put the chops on."

c)

“Isn't it a dandy, Jim? I hunted all over town to find it.”

d)

“The magi, as you know, were wise men--wonderfully wise men.”

46.
The story uses the literary device known as _______________ or a situational twist in plot that the reader may not guess or expect.
a)
Dialogue
b)
Metaphor
c)
Irony
d)
Climax
47.

Which is the best explanation of the name “Dillingham”?

a)

It acts as a symbol of their decreasing wealth.

b)

It shows that they do not like their last name.

c)

It shows that last names are not important.

d)

It shows that Jim comes from a wealthy family but is not worthy of the family name.

48.
“Life is made up of sobs, sniffles and smiles …” is an example of ____.
a)
similie
b)
personification
c)
alliteration
d)
onomatopoeia
49.
When we can predict that Jim has sold his watch to buy the combs, this is called _____.
a)
a flashback
b)
foreshadowing
c)
theme
d)
setting
50.

Instigate

a)

The condition of having good fortune

b)

Mentally quick

c)

A desire to have something that is possessed by another

d)

To provoke or stir up

51.

Prosperity

a)

Not arrogant

b)

The condition of having good fortune

c)

A destructive action

d)

To frighten greatly

52.

Depreciate

a)

A desire to have something that is possessed by another

b)

Mentally agile

c)

To search thoroughly

d)

To lower the value of something

53.

Falter

a)

Tastelessly showy

b)

Tender, romantic, or nostalgic feeling or emotion

c)

To move hesitatingly, as if about to give way

d)

A prolonged intense look

54.

Meretricious

a)

A destructive action

b)

Tastelessly showy

c)

To take charge of or deal with

d)

A desire to have something possessed by another

55.

Ravage

a)

A destructive action

b)

To search thoroughly

c)

Absent without permission

d)

A tender, romantic, or nostalgic feeling or emotion

56.

Terrify

a)

A tender, romantic, or nostalgic feeling or emotion

b)

A destructive action

c)

To frighten greatly

d)

To move hesitatingly, as if about to give way

57.

Sentiment

a)

A tender, romantic, or nostalgic feeling or emotion

b)

Mentally quick

c)

Not arrogant

d)

Extreme stinginess

58.

Scrutiny

a)

To make free from confusion or ambiguity (open to more than one interpretation)

b)

Moving quick and lightly

c)

To make more attractive, as by adding ornament or color

d)

A prolonged intense look

59.

Nimble

a)

Moving quickly and lightly

b)

To cease to exist

c)

To move hesitatingly, as if about to give way

d)

To predict in advance

60.

Ecstatic

a)

desire strongly or persistently

b)

Characterized by strong enthusiasm

c)

Feeling great rapture or delight

d)

To endure the loss of

61.

Vanish

a)

Marked by the exercise of good judgment or common sense

b)

To cease to exist

c)

To make free from confusion or ambiguity

d)

A special advantage or benefit not enjoyed by all

62.

Yearn

a)

Desire strongly or persistently

b)

To take charge of or deal with

c)

To endure the loss of

d)

Mentally quick

63.

Adorn

a)

Characterized by strong enthusiasm

b)

Feeling great rapture or delight

c)

Clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

d)

To make more attractive, as by adding ornament or color

64.

Ardent

a)

A prolonged intense look

b)

Characterized by strong enthusiasm

c)

A destructive action

d)

To move hesitatingly, as if about to give way

65.

Dramatic Irony

a)

The audience knows more than the character

b)

A person says or writes one thing and means another, or uses words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of the literal meaning.

c)

When the outcome of a situation is totally different from what people expect.

d)

The message, moral, or meaning the author is teaching us through the story

66.

Verbal Irony

a)

The meaning, message, or moral the author is teaching the reader.

b)

The audience knows more than the character.

c)

When the outcome of a situation is totally different from what people expect.

d)

A person says or writes one thing and means another, or uses words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of the literal meaning.

67.

Situational Irony

a)

When the outcome of a situation is totally different from what people expect.

b)

A person says or writes one thing and means another, or uses words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of the literal meaning.

c)

The message, meaning, or moral the author is teaching the reader.

d)

The audience knows more than the character does.

68.

Theme

a)

A person says or writes one thing and means another, or uses words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of the literal meaning.

b)

The audience knows more than the character does.

c)

The message, meaning, or moral the author is teaching the reader.

d)

When the outcome of a situation is totally different from what people expect.

69.

Who were the original Magi?

a)

Jim and Della

b)

Adam and Eve

c)

the three kings who gave gifts to the baby Jesus

d)

the shepherds who traveled to see Jesus

70.

Why does Della go to Madame Sofronie's?

a)

to look for work

b)

to sell her hair

c)

to shovel Madame Sofronie's sidewalk

d)

to borrow $1.87.

71.

Who are the Magi?

a)

The Wise Men who brought gifts to baby Jesus

b)

The Wise Man of Australia

c)

Magicians in a circus

72.

Verbal Irony is

a)

when what is said is opposite of what is meant

b)

when the audience knows more than a character in the story

c)

when the opposite of what is expected happens

73.

Situational Irony is

a)

when what is said is opposite of what is meant

b)

when the opposite of what is expected happens

c)

when the audience knows more than a character in the story

74.

Dramatic Irony

a)

when what is said is opposite of what is meant

b)

when the opposite of what is expected happens

c)

when the audience knows more than a character in the story

75.
How much does Jim make a week? 
a)
$500.00 a week
b)
$40.00 a week
c)
$20.00 a week
d)
He doesn't need to work
76.
What is a clear theme of the story? 
a)
It's always good to outdo each other when gift giving.
b)
Unconditional love is the best kind of gift giving.
c)
Money buys love.
d)
You need to save up to buy gifts.
77.
Which quote from O. Henry's story "The Gift of the Magi" best describes the THEME of his story? 
a)
"Please God, make him think I'm still pretty" (Henry 4).
b)
"Because it was so plain and simple, you knew it was very valuable" (Henry 3).
c)
"I don't think there's anything in the way of a haircut or a shave or a shampoo that could make me love my girl any less" (Henry 4)
d)
"If a queen had lived in the rooms near theirs, Della would have washed and dried her hair where the queen could see it" (Henry 2).

Similar Resources on Wayground

English IV Honors Hamlet

80 questions

English IV Honors Hamlet

quiz

Worksheet

•

12th Grade

HA101FinalRevision

75 questions

HA101FinalRevision

quiz

Worksheet

•

University

Level 6 First Term Quiz -B1

80 questions

Level 6 First Term Quiz -B1

quiz

Worksheet

•

Professional Development

Right On 2 Mid Term

80 questions

Right On 2 Mid Term

quiz

Worksheet

•

1st - 12th Grade

DIAGNOSTIC TEST FOR GRADE X 2022 FIRST SEMESTER

80 questions

DIAGNOSTIC TEST FOR GRADE X 2022 FIRST SEMESTER

quiz

Worksheet

•

10th - 12th Grade

weekly exam English G10 w4

75 questions

weekly exam English G10 w4

quiz

Worksheet

•

10th Grade

1MT2 REVIEW

79 questions

1MT2 REVIEW

quiz

Worksheet

•

9th Grade

Reviewing For The February Monthly Test-HS7A

72 questions

Reviewing For The February Monthly Test-HS7A

quiz

Worksheet

•

11th Grade