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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 does the narrator describe Jim and Della in the end of "The Gift of the Magi"?

2. What did the magi bring to the baby Jesus in the Bible?

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

4. How much is Jim's income now, according to the author 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. Describe the character of Madame Sofronie in the story. What imagery does the author present with her introduction?

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

3. What is one example of Biblical reference or allusion in the story and why is it used?

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

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

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

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

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

9. Describe one example of irony in "The Gift of the Magi." What type of irony is described?

10. What statement do you think the author is making regarding wisdom in "The Gift of the Magi"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe and discuss examples of foreshadowing and red herrings in "The Gift of the Magi." How are foreshadowing and red herrings defined? Which apply in the story? What are the results of their use in the narrative?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the use of symbolism in "The Gift of the Magi." What are three symbols in the story? What does each symbol represent? How important is symbolism to this narrative?

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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This section contains 808 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample