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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Della considers what Jim will think of her cut hair and she imagines that if he does not kill her, he will say she looks like what in "The Gift of the Magi"?
(a) A girl who sings and dances for money.
(b) A girl who prostitutes herself for money.
(c) A little girl.
(d) A girl who works in a library.

2. How much money is offered for Della's hair?
(a) $15.
(b) $10.
(c) $40.
(d) $20.

3. On whose point of view is the narrative focused in "The Gift of the Magi"?
(a) On Jim's father's point of view.
(b) On Jim's point of view.
(c) On Madame Sofronie's point of view.
(d) On Della's point of view.

4. How long is Della's hair described in the beginning of "The Gift of the Magi"?
(a) To her shoulders.
(b) Just above her waist.
(c) Below her knees.
(d) Below her ankles.

5. When Jim enters his apartment, he is described as being as what?
(a) A snake when it is near a rabbit.
(b) A bear when it is near an apple pie.
(c) A hunting dog when it is near a bird.
(d) A lion when it is near a gazelle.

6. On what floor is the hair shop described as being?
(a) The basement.
(b) The first floor.
(c) The second floor.
(d) The third floor.

7. The gifts that Della and Jim are revealed to have bought for one another are an example of what literary device?
(a) Comic irony.
(b) Simile.
(c) Literary allusion.
(d) Verbal irony.

8. What does Della pray for as Jim is about to enter their apartment in "The Gift of the Magi"?
(a) For Jim to think she is still pretty.
(b) For Jim to be happy she is pregnant.
(c) For Jim to ask for a divorce.
(d) For Jim to have bought her a present.

9. In what approximate time period does "The Gift of the Magi" take place?
(a) The late 1700s.
(b) The early 1800s.
(c) The early 1900s.
(d) The late 1600s.

10. What has Jim bought Della for Christmas?
(a) A diamond ring.
(b) A gold watch.
(c) Hair combs.
(d) A gold ring.

11. What did Jim sell to buy Della's gift?
(a) His hair.
(b) His coat.
(c) His watch.
(d) His ring.

12. What is the watch chain made of that Della buys for Jim?
(a) Gold.
(b) Jewels.
(c) Silver.
(d) Copper.

13. What aspect of the plot structure in "The Gift of the Magi" is one for which O. Henry was famous?
(a) The flashbacks.
(b) The flash-forwards.
(c) The twist-ending.
(d) The nonlinear narrative.

14. When Della lets down her hair in the beginning of "The Gift of the Magi" it is said to almost create what?
(a) A dress for her.
(b) A scarf for her.
(c) A shield for her.
(d) A robe for her.

15. What are the "magi" from the Bible also referred to as?
(a) The Three Wise Men.
(b) The Three Virgins.
(c) The Three Bearers of Gold.
(d) The Three Old Lepers.

Short Answer Questions

1. How much money has Della saved up in the opening of "The Gift of the Magi"?

2. What does Della do after counting her money in the beginning of "The Gift of the Magi"?

3. What is Della said to look wonderfully like after cutting her hair?

4. How long does Della take to try to make her hair look better before Jim arrives home in "The Gift of the Magi"?

5. Which of the following is a central theme in "The Gift of the Magi"?

(see the answer keys)

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