The Gift of the Magi Quiz

What type of conflict was shown in the story?

• Man vs. Society

• Man vs. Man

• Man vs. Technology

• Man vs. Himself

Answer explanation

Man vs. Society- In the story, Della and Jim were evidently poor, as it portrays in various scenes such as the 1 dollor and 87 cents money left for Della which was not enough for her to buy Jim's gift. Also, there room apartment was described as "very narrow".

Man vs. Himself- The internal conflict between Della and her thoughts concerning her "many plans" for Christmas including her gift for Jim.

"Love and large-hearted giving, when added together, can leave deep marks."

Why does O. Henry emphasize this line in a story after Della buys her present for Jim's gold watch?

• He emphasizes the importance of selfless sacrifice.

• He emphasizes the importance of big-heartedness.

• He emphasizes the importance of generosity.

• He emphasizes the importance of giving.

What type of character is Della?

• A. Static

• B. Dynamic

• Both A and B

• None of the Above

Answer explanation

Della is an example of a dynamic character because in the early part of the story, she was described as having a lank brunette haired like a stream of brown water enough to reach her knees. Then, in the latter part, Della cut her hair and sold it to Mrs. Sophronie. This only explains why she is a dynamic character; the changes of her appearance.

In the Gift of the Magi, what do the Comb and The Gold Chain symbolize in line with the story?

• There is nothing valuable less than their great love for each other.

• Possessions are essential to keep a lasting relationship.

• A selfless act of giving is a valid form of love.

• Love is the death of duty.

Answer explanation

The jeweled comb and gold chain portray the value of both things as much as they value each other.

What technique does the author use at the end of the story when Jim explains that he sells his watch to buy Della a jeweled comb?

• Foreshadowing

• Irony

• Exaggeration

• Metaphor

Answer explanation

It utilized irony because Della sold her hair to buy a present [gold chain] for Jim while Jim sold his watch to buy a present [comb] for Della. This particular incident makes it ironically foolish and wise.

"… Della's beautiful hair fell about her, shining like a falling stream of brown water. It reached below her knee. It almost made itself into a dress for her."

The passage signals that Della's hair color is _______________?

• Black

• Brown

• Azure

• Yellowish

"ONE DOLLAR AND EIGHTY-SEVEN CENTS. That was all. She had put it aside, one cent and then another and then another, in her careful buying of meat and other food."

What does this line want to convey about their status in life?

• They are well-provided.

• They have all the means in life.

• They are underprivileged.

• They have a luxurious life.

Answer explanation

"That was all." The sentence signals the money was just enough to survive their means in life but not beyond their means.

In what point of view was the Gift of the Magi narrated?

• First Person POV

• Second Person POV

• Third Person Limited POV

• Third Person Omniscient POV

Answer explanation

The story was narrated in third person limited point of view since the author was just narrating the experience of the young couple but did not fully delve into deeper side of their story.

What is the best thematic idea of the story The Gift of the Magi?

• Generosity

• Beauty

• Sacrifice

• Love

Answer explanation

Love is the best thematic idea of the story since it showcases their deep affection with each other, especially Della's form of love to Jim as she is ready to sacrifice everything for the sake of her sincere and great love.

In the latter part of the story, O. Henry explains that Della and Jim are both wise and unwise. Why does he say so?

• A. Wise for being self-sacrificing and unwise in their impulsive decision-making

• B. Wise for being generous and unwise for cutting and selling her hair.

• C. Wise for being calm and unwise for selling his watch.

• Both B and C

Answer explanation

They are both wise because of their selfless willingness to sell their most valued possession for their most-loved person. While, unwise because despite being poor, they never think of what will happen tomorrow if they live beyond their means.