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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does the narrator say Jim needs in "The Gift of the Magi"?
(a) A pair of socks.
(b) A rifle.
(c) A pair of new pants.
(d) A new coat.

2. What does Della tell Jim she could not live through when he arrives home in "The Gift of the Magi"?
(a) She could not live through Christmas without calling his mother.
(b) She could not live through Christmas without making a special meal.
(c) She could not live through Christmas without getting him a gift.
(d) She could not live through Christmas without putting up a Christmas tree.

3. How old is Jim said to be in the narrative?
(a) 24.
(b) 32.
(c) 29.
(d) 22.

4. Where did Jim obtain his gold watch?
(a) From his father.
(b) From his brother.
(c) From his mother.
(d) From his wife.

5. When was "The Gift of the Magi" first published?
(a) 1765.
(b) 1905.
(c) 1865.
(d) 1953.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the most likely setting of "The Gift of the Magi"?

2. How is the proprietor of the hair shop described?

3. What did Jim sell to buy Della's gift?

4. What is the watch chain made of that Della buys for Jim?

5. What did the magi bring to the baby Jesus in the Bible?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe one simile or metaphor from the short story and how it serves the reader.

2. How has "The Gift of the Magi" been critically received since its publication?

3. In what tense and from what narrative perspective is "The Gift of the Magi" related?

4. Describe the character of Madame Sofronie in the story. What imagery does the author present with her introduction?

5. Who or what would you identify as the protagonist and antagonist in "The Gift of the Magi"? Why?

6. What statement do you think the author is making regarding wisdom in "The Gift of the Magi"?

7. What is Della's most prized possession and how is it described?

8. What is one example of Biblical reference or allusion in the story and why is it used?

9. Describe the setting of the Youngs' apartment.

10. When and where was "The Gift of the Magi" first published? When and where was it first published in book-form?

(see the answer keys)

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