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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. What is Jim and Della's last name?
(a) Young.
(b) Smith.
(c) Jackson.
(d) Small.

3. What is Della said to look wonderfully like after cutting her hair?
(a) An elf.
(b) An old maid.
(c) A fairy.
(d) A schoolboy.

4. How is the letter-box described as Della and Jim's apartment building?
(a) Unable to open due to a broken door.
(b) Too small to hold a letter.
(c) Rusted completely shut.
(d) Permanently locked.

5. How is Della's physical stature described by the narrator?
(a) She is tall and hulking.
(b) She is very fat.
(c) She is somewhat chubby.
(d) She is quite thin.

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

7. What does the narrator say that large-hearted giving can leave behind?
(a) Sorrowful regrets.
(b) Bitter resentments.
(c) Deep marks.
(d) Traces of glory.

8. How does the narrator describe Jim and Della in the end of "The Gift of the Magi"?
(a) Two children who were disappointed.
(b) Two children who were selfish.
(c) Two children who were not wise.
(d) Two children who were tired.

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

10. How is Della's coat described?
(a) Navy blue and new.
(b) Old and gray.
(c) Old and brown.
(d) New and red.

11. How is the proprietor of the hair shop described?
(a) Large and too-white.
(b) Coarse and rough-faced.
(c) Masculine and gruff.
(d) Thin and withered.

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

13. How much money does Della pay for Jim's watch chain?
(a) $10.95.
(b) $15.
(c) $21.
(d) $20.

14. How is the design of the watch chain described?
(a) Elaborate.
(b) Extravagant.
(c) Simple.
(d) Highly detailed.

15. How much money does Della have left when she returns home from purchasing Jim's watch chain?
(a) Two dollars.
(b) 87 cents.
(c) One dollar.
(d) Six dollars.

Short Answer Questions

1. What aspect of the plot structure in "The Gift of the Magi" is one for which O. Henry was famous?

2. When Jim enters his apartment, he is described as being as what?

3. Where did Jim obtain his gold watch?

4. How did Della manage to save the amount she has for Jim's Christmas gift in the opening of "The Gift of the Magi"?

5. At what time does Della have Jim's dinner ready for him?

(see the answer keys)

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