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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. On whose point of view is the narrative focused in "The Gift of the Magi"?

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

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

5. How much is Jim's income now, according to the author in the opening of "The Gift of the Magi"?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does "allegory" mean and how does this term apply to "The Gift of the Magi"?

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

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

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

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

6. What adaptations have been developed of "The Gift of the Magi"?

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

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

9. Describe the setting of the Youngs' apartment.

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe and discuss examples of foreshadowing and red herrings in "The Gift of the Magi." How are foreshadowing and red herrings defined? Which apply in the story? What are the results of their use in the narrative?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the historical context of "The Gift of the Magi." When was this short story written? What was the economical, cultural, and political atmosphere like at this time? How are those aspects demonstrated in the story?

Essay Topic 3

Describe and analyze the character of Della Young in "The Gift of the Magi." How old is Della? For how long has she been married? What are Della's actions, objectives, and obstacles in the story?

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