"The Gift of the Magi"

Front

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

Back

The theme revolves around selfless love and sacrifice, highlighting how true giving comes from the heart.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Front

What does the word 'unceremoniously' mean in the context of the story?

Back

It means that Madame Sofronie cuts Della's hair without any fuss or ceremony, showing a lack of tenderness.

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.4

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

Front

How does Della feel at the beginning of 'The Gift of the Magi'?

Back

She feels upset because she doesn't have enough money to buy a nice gift for Jim.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.10

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RL.2.3

CCSS.RL.4.3

CCSS.RL.4.4

Front

What type of characterization is used when Madame Sofronie cuts Della's hair?

Back

Indirect characterization, as it reveals her personality through her actions.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Front

What did Jim sell to buy Della a gift?

Back

He sold his pocket watch.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.10

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RL.2.3

CCSS.RL.4.3

CCSS.RL.4.4

Front

What does the story suggest about the nature of gifts?

Back

Gifts are most meaningful when they are given with love and sacrifice, rather than their material value.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Front

What is the significance of Della's hair in the story?

Back

Della's hair symbolizes her beauty and sacrifice, as she sells it to buy a gift for Jim.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.10

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RL.2.3

CCSS.RL.4.3

CCSS.RL.4.4

Front

How does the ending of 'The Gift of the Magi' reflect the theme of irony?

Back

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

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

Front

What lesson can be learned from the sacrifices made by Della and Jim?

Back

The lesson is that true love often involves sacrifice and that the value of a gift lies in the thought and love behind it.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Front

What does the character of Madame Sofronie represent in the story?

Back

She represents the practical side of life, contrasting with Della's romantic ideals.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.10

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RL.2.3

CCSS.RL.4.3

CCSS.RL.4.4