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

2. The watch chain is described as being like Jim, who is said to be embodied with what?

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

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

5. What are the most significant symbols in "The Gift of the Magi"?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Discuss the concept of gender roles and expectations in "The Gift of the Magi." How would you describe Della's role in her marriage? How reflective is this of the time the story was written? How do you think the roles of women would differ in a modern adaptation?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the historical context of "The Gift of the Magi." When was this short story written? What was the economical, cultural, and political atmosphere like at this time? How are those aspects demonstrated in the story?

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