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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 "magi" from the Bible also referred to as?

2. How much money does Della pay for Jim's watch chain?

3. Where did Jim obtain his gold watch?

4. When was "The Gift of the Magi" first published?

5. What does the narrator say Jim would have done if a king had lived in the same home as he and Della?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What are the financial circumstances of the Youngs?

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

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

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

7. Where does the climax occur in "The Gift of the Magi"?

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

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

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

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 language style in "The Gift of the Magi." How would you describe the dialogue within the story? How do the characters' speech differ from the narrator's style of speaking? Is the language complex or simple? Why?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the author's use of similes and metaphors in "The Gift of the Magi." What metaphors are used in describing Della's hair? What metaphors or similes are used in describing the main characters? How is imagery used in illustrating Jim and Della's home?

(see the answer keys)

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