The Gift of the Magi

Front

What is the main theme of 'The Gift of the Magi'?

Back

The main theme is the sacrifice of love, highlighting how true love often involves selflessness and the willingness to give up something valuable for the happiness of a loved one.

Front

Who are the main characters in 'The Gift of the Magi'?

Back

The main characters are Jim and Della, a young couple who are deeply in love and willing to sacrifice their most prized possessions for each other.

Front

What does Della sell to buy Jim's gift?

Back

Della sells her long, beautiful hair to buy a platinum chain for Jim's watch.

Front

What does Jim sell to buy Della's gift?

Back

Jim sells his prized possession, his watch, to buy a set of combs for Della's hair.

Front

What is the irony in 'The Gift of the Magi'?

Back

The irony lies in the fact that both Jim and Della sacrifice their most valued possessions to buy gifts for each other, rendering their gifts useless.

Front

How does Della feel after selling her hair?

Back

Della feels a mix of emotions, including delight at being able to buy a gift for Jim, but also a sense of loss and despair over her hair.

Front

What does the phrase 'life is made up of sobs, sniffles, and smiles' suggest about life?

Back

It suggests that life is a mixture of joy and sorrow, with more moments of sadness ('sniffles') than happiness ('smiles').

Front

What is the significance of the gifts Jim and Della buy for each other?

Back

The gifts symbolize their love and the sacrifices they are willing to make for one another, emphasizing the theme of selflessness.

Front

What lesson can be learned from 'The Gift of the Magi'?

Back

The lesson is that true love is about giving and sacrifice, and that material possessions are less important than the love shared between individuals.

Front

How do Jim and Della react when they realize the futility of their gifts?

Back

They try to make the best of the situation, recognizing the depth of their love for each other despite the irony.