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

2. What did Jim sell to buy Della's gift?

3. How is the looking-glass described in Della and Jim's home?

4. How is the letter-box described as Della and Jim's apartment building?

5. What does the narrator say that large-hearted giving can leave behind?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. What statement do you think the author is making regarding wisdom in "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 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 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 3

Discuss the use of symbolism in "The Gift of the Magi." What are three symbols in the story? What does each symbol represent? How important is symbolism to this narrative?

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