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

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

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

4. At what time does Della have Jim's dinner ready for him?
(a) 6:00 p.m.
(b) 8:00 p.m.
(c) 7:00 p.m.
(d) 5:00 p.m.

5. How is the electric bell at Jim and Della's apartment described?
(a) It is incredibly loud.
(b) It buzzes nonstop.
(c) It is tinkly and soft.
(d) It does not work.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is Jim and Della's last name?

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

3. For how long does Della shop for a gift for Jim after selling her hair?

4. To what is Della's hair compared when she lets it down in the beginning of "The Gift of the Magi"?

5. How is Della's physical stature described by the narrator?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the character of Jim Young in "The Gift of the Magi." What motivates Jim in the story?

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

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

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

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

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

7. What does Jim purchase for Della and how is this object described?

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

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

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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