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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. On what floor is the hair shop described as being?

2. Where did Jim obtain his gold watch?

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

4. How long is Della's hair described in the beginning of "The Gift of the Magi"?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the setting of the Youngs' apartment.

2. How is the theme of sacrifice developed in the story through character?

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

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

5. Describe one simile or metaphor from the short story and how it serves the reader.

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

7. Describe one example of symbolism in "The Gift of the Magi." What does the symbol represent?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the author's use of irony in "The Gift of the Magi." How is irony defined? What are the different types of irony? What type of irony is employed in this story? What effects does it have?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the theme of sacrifice in "The Gift of the Magi." How is this theme developed through symbolism? How is it developed through character? What statement is the author making regarding sacrifice?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss conflict in "The Gift of the Magi." What are the three main types of conflict in narrative literature? Which types of conflict apply in this story? How are the conflicts of the story resolved, or are they?

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