The Gift of the Magi: Analysis of Key Events and Themes
The Gift of the Magi: Key Questions
Where did Della get the $1.87?
a. By haggling with merchants
Why is Della upset at the beginning?
c. She does not have enough money to buy a nice gift for him.
What are Jim and Della’s most valued possessions?
d. Jim’s watch and Della’s hair
Why does Della go to Madame Sofronie’s?
b. To sell her hair
Which figurative language is used in: “I couldn’t have lived through Christmas without giving”?
c. Hyperbole
Why is Jim stunned when he first sees Della?
d. He bought her a gift that she can’t use
Which best describes the narrator’s tone in: “Being wise, the gifts were undoubtedly wise ones, possibly bearing the privilege of exchange in case of duplication.”
a. Humorous
With which statement would the narrator most likely agree?
d. Jim and Della’s gifts were good because they sacrificed so much for one another.
Which event happened last?
a. Della bought Jim a gift.
Which statement best expresses the theme of this story?
c. The best gifts involve sacrifice
Why are Jim and Della considered the wisest gift-givers?
The narrator considers Jim and Della to be the wisest among gift-givers because, despite their limited financial resources, each sacrificed something valuable for the other. Della sold her long hair to buy Jim a chain for his watch, while Jim sold his watch to buy Della combs for her hair. This action reflects their love and devotion to each other, and shows their wisdom in understanding that the true value of a gift lies not in its price, but in the love and sacrifice it entails.
Summarize the text: Key events in order
Introduction:
The story begins by introducing Jim and Della Young, a young, poor couple living in a small apartment.
Financial Dilemma:
It is revealed that Jim and Della love each other deeply, but are having financial difficulties. They both want to give special gifts at Christmas, but they have little money.
Secret Sacrifices:
Della sells her beautiful hair to buy Jim a chain for his watch, while Jim sells his watch to buy Della some beautiful combs for her hair.
The Revelation:
On Christmas Eve, Della gives Jim the chain and Jim gives Della the combs. They both discover each other’s sacrifices and the irony of their gifts.
Final Reflection:
Despite the irony and the loss of their most precious possessions, Jim and Della realize that their love is the most valuable gift of all.
The Moral:
The narrator concludes that Jim and Della are the wisest among gift-givers, as they understand that love and sacrifice are more important than material possessions.