View a FREE sample

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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How much is Jim's income now, according to the author in the opening of "The Gift of the Magi"?
(a) $30 per week.
(b) $15 per week.
(c) $40 per week.
(d) $20 per week.

2. To what is Della's hair compared when she lets it down in the beginning of "The Gift of the Magi"?
(a) A falling stream.
(b) A sea of jellyfish.
(c) A snowy lake.
(d) A peacock's feathers.

3. What are the "magi" from the Bible also referred to as?
(a) The Three Bearers of Gold.
(b) The Three Virgins.
(c) The Three Old Lepers.
(d) The Three Wise Men.

4. What is the watch chain made of that Della buys for Jim?
(a) Gold.
(b) Copper.
(c) Jewels.
(d) Silver.

5. What did Jim sell to buy Della's gift?
(a) His watch.
(b) His ring.
(c) His hair.
(d) His coat.

Short Answer Questions

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

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

3. The watch chain is described as being like Jim, who is said to be embodied with what?

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

5. To whose shop does Della go to sell her hair?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Describe the neighborhood and city where the Youngs live.

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

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

6. What are the financial circumstances of the Youngs?

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

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

9. What is an example of foreshadowing in "The Gift of the Magi"? What is foreshadowed?

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

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 823 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample