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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 Sofronie's shop.
(d) Madame Lemonds's shop.

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

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

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

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

Short Answer Questions

1. How is Della's hat described?

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

3. The narrator says in the end of "The Gift of the Magi" that these two (Jim and Della) were what, among all who give gifts?

4. What Biblical king and queen are referenced in "The Gift of the Magi"?

5. When Della lets down her hair in the beginning of "The Gift of the Magi" it is said to almost create what?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

6. How does the historical context of "The Gift of the Magi" influence the story?

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

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

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

10. How does the author use symbolism to develop the theme of wealth and poverty in "The Gift of the Magi"?

(see the answer keys)

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