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

2. What does the narrator say Jim needs in "The Gift of the Magi"?

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

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

5. What does Della do after counting her money in the beginning of "The Gift of the Magi"?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Della purchase for Jim for Christmas? How is this object described?

2. Describe the setting of the Youngs' apartment.

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

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

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

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

7. Describe the character of Madame Sofronie in the story. What imagery does the author present with her introduction?

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

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

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

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 2

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 3

Describe and analyze the character of Jim Young in "The Gift of the Magi." How old is Jim? Where does he work? Where does he live? What are Jim's actions, objectives, and obstacles in the story?

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