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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 are the most significant symbols in "The Gift of the Magi"?

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

3. What aspect of the plot structure in "The Gift of the Magi" is one for which O. Henry was famous?

4. What is the most likely setting of "The Gift of the Magi"?

5. What is Della said to look wonderfully like after cutting her hair?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the author's use of Biblical allusions and references in the story. Who are the Biblical figures that the author makes reference to? Why? What is the meaning of the title of this short story?

Essay Topic 2

Describe and analyze the plot structure of "The Gift of the Magi." What is the inciting incident of the story? Where does the climax occur? What information is revealed in the falling action and denouement of the plot?

Essay Topic 3

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?

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