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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. At what time does Della have Jim's dinner ready for him?

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

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

4. How did Della manage to save the amount she has for Jim's Christmas gift in the opening of "The Gift of the Magi"?

5. What are the "magi" from the Bible also referred to as?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. Describe the setting of the Youngs' apartment.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the author's use of irony in "The Gift of the Magi." How is irony defined? What are the different types of irony? What type of irony is employed in this story? What effects does it have?

Essay Topic 2

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 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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