View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What are Jim and Della about to do in the end of "The Gift of the Magi"?
(a) Eat dinner.
(b) Go to Jim's mother's home.
(c) Go to Della's mother's home.
(d) Put their baby to bed.

2. How much is Jim's income now, according to the author in the opening of "The Gift of the Magi"?
(a) $30 per week.
(b) $40 per week.
(c) $20 per week.
(d) $15 per week.

3. What did the magi bring to the baby Jesus in the Bible?
(a) Branches, coal, and a manger.
(b) A sheep, a llama, and a rabbit.
(c) Gold, frankinscense, and myrrh.
(d) Gold, hair tresses, and combs.

4. In what approximate time period does "The Gift of the Magi" take place?
(a) The early 1900s.
(b) The early 1800s.
(c) The late 1600s.
(d) The late 1700s.

5. What is Della said to look wonderfully like after cutting her hair?
(a) A fairy.
(b) An old maid.
(c) An elf.
(d) A schoolboy.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. What is Jim and Della's last name?

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

4. Where did Jim obtain his gold watch?

5. How is the proprietor of the hair shop described?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Describe the setting of the Youngs' apartment.

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

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

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

7. What does "narrative intrusion" mean and how does it apply to "The Gift of the Magi"?

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

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

10. What adaptations have been developed of "The Gift of the Magi"?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 807 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample