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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. When Jim enters his apartment, he is described as being as what?
(a) A hunting dog when it is near a bird.
(b) A snake when it is near a rabbit.
(c) A bear when it is near an apple pie.
(d) A lion when it is near a gazelle.

2. At what time does Della have Jim's dinner ready for him?
(a) 5:00 p.m.
(b) 8:00 p.m.
(c) 7:00 p.m.
(d) 6:00 p.m.

3. What does the narrator say Jim needs in "The Gift of the Magi"?
(a) A new coat.
(b) A pair of new pants.
(c) A pair of socks.
(d) A rifle.

4. How is the letter-box described as Della and Jim's apartment building?
(a) Permanently locked.
(b) Rusted completely shut.
(c) Unable to open due to a broken door.
(d) Too small to hold a letter.

5. How is the looking-glass described in Della and Jim's home?
(a) Very wide.
(b) Very narrow.
(c) Very large.
(d) Round and solid.

Short Answer Questions

1. How is Della's hat described?

2. The gifts that Della and Jim are revealed to have bought for one another are an example of what literary device?

3. How long does Della take to try to make her hair look better before Jim arrives home in "The Gift of the Magi"?

4. To what is Della's hair compared when she lets it down in the beginning of "The Gift of the Magi"?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe one simile or metaphor from the short story and how it serves the reader.

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. What is the "inciting incident" in "The Gift of the Magi" and how does it drive the story?

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

(see the answer keys)

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