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

2. How long is it until Christmas in the opening of "The Gift of the Magi"?

3. How would you describe Della's feelings for Jim?

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

5. When Jim enters his apartment, he is described as being as what?

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

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

5. What are the financial circumstances of the Youngs?

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

7. How does the author use symbolism to develop the theme of wealth and poverty in "The Gift of the Magi"?

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

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

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 the setting of "The Gift of the Magi." How is the Youngs' home described? What clues in the setting indicate the time period of the story? Do you think this story could be set in a different time period and/or place? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the themes of love and generosity in "The Gift of the Magi." What does love mean to the characters in this story? How do the characters demonstrate generosity? What symbolism relates to these themes?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the theme of wealth versus poverty in "The Gift of the Magi." How do the settings in the story reinforce this theme? How do the actions of the characters connect to this theme? What statement do you think the author is making regarding wealth versus poverty?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 788 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample