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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 are the most significant symbols in "The Gift of the Magi"?
(a) The combs and the watch-chain.
(b) The ring and the necklace.
(c) The hair shop and the jewelry store.
(d) The cat and the apartment building.

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

3. What are Jim and Della about to do in the end of "The Gift of the Magi"?
(a) Put their baby to bed.
(b) Eat dinner.
(c) Go to Jim's mother's home.
(d) Go to Della's mother's home.

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

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

Short Answer Questions

1. How is the electric bell at Jim and Della's apartment described?

2. In what approximate time period does "The Gift of the Magi" take place?

3. What color is Della's hair?

4. How much money does Della have left when she returns home from purchasing Jim's watch chain?

5. When was "The Gift of the Magi" first published?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the "inciting incident" in "The Gift of the Magi" and how does it drive the story?

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

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

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

5. What are the financial circumstances of the Youngs?

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

7. What is a "twist ending" and how does this device apply in "The Gift of the Magi"?

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

9. Where does the climax occur in "The Gift of the Magi"?

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

(see the answer keys)

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