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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 Della tell Jim she could not live through when he arrives home in "The Gift of the Magi"?

2. When was "The Gift of the Magi" first published?

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

4. In what approximate time period does "The Gift of the Magi" take place?

5. What is the watch chain made of that Della buys for Jim?

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

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

4. Where does the rising action take place in "The Gift of the Magi"?

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

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

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

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

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

10. What are the financial circumstances of the Youngs?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss language style in "The Gift of the Magi." How would you describe the dialogue within the story? How do the characters' speech differ from the narrator's style of speaking? Is the language complex or simple? Why?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the author's use of Biblical allusions and references in the story. Who are the Biblical figures that the author makes reference to? Why? What is the meaning of the title of this short story?

Essay Topic 3

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?

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