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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. To whose shop does Della go to sell her hair?
(a) Madame Richmond's shop.
(b) Madame Montpellier's shop.
(c) Madame Lemonds's shop.
(d) Madame Sofronie's shop.

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

3. The narrator says in the beginning of "The Gift of the Magi" that Della knows that her hair is more beautiful than what?
(a) A queen's jewels and gifts.
(b) A mountain looking over a lake.
(c) A field of fresh-fallen snow.
(d) A flower in the meadow.

4. What does Della do after counting her money in the beginning of "The Gift of the Magi"?
(a) She calls her mother.
(b) She calls for a cab.
(c) She weeps.
(d) She cheers.

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

Short Answer Questions

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

2. What does Della pray for as Jim is about to enter their apartment in "The Gift of the Magi"?

3. How long is it until Christmas in the opening of "The Gift of the Magi"?

4. How is the looking-glass described in Della and Jim's home?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Where does the rising action take place in "The Gift of the Magi"?

3. How is the theme of sacrifice developed in the story through character?

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

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

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

7. Describe one example of irony in "The Gift of the Magi." What type of irony is described?

8. What does "narrative intrusion" mean and how does it apply to "The Gift of the Magi"?

9. What does Della purchase for Jim for Christmas? How is this object described?

10. Describe the character of Della in "The Gift of the Magi." What does Della seek in the story?

(see the answer keys)

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