The Gift of the Magi Questions
“The Gift of the Magi” Questions Name _________________ P_____
Answer in complete sentences.
Setting
1. What is the setting of the story? Think about time and place.
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Characters-2 and 3 do not have to be in complete sentences. Question 4 should be answered in complete sentences.
2. How many characters are in the story? ________________
3. What are their names?___________________________________________________________
4. Characters are often developed by what they say. Which character speaks the following lines AND what do these lines tell us about their character?
• And now I think we should have our dinner.
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• Will you buy my hair?
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• I sold the watch to get the money to buy the combs. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
• You've cut off your hair?
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• Isn't it perfect, Jim?
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• What could I do with a dollar and eighty-seven cents?
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• Don't you like me now?
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• You won't care, will you?
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Plot
5. What is the climax of the story? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
6. What is the resolution of the story?
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Essay:
Usually, an author’s theme can be stated in terms that resemble familiar sayings or proverbs. Look at the following statements.
– Love is the greatest gift of all.
– Money can’t buy you love.
– A gift must come from the heart.
– Beauty comes from within.
Use text evidence to answer the following question in an essay. Which of the four sayings best describes the main theme of The Gift of the Magi? Why?
The final draft will be due at the end of class of tomorrow.
Extras—
Audio Readings
Major and Minor Themes
A story usually has one main theme and several minor themes. Below is a list of some common general themes in literature around the world. Think of some stories or movies that you are familiar with and try to identify some of the themes in them. Eight of these themes can be found in The Gift of the Magi. Explain how O.Henry uses each theme you identify and then check the key to see if you have found all the themes in the story. Circle the eight themes you think are found in the story.
• Art • Justice • Beauty • Knowledge
• Bravery • Law • Death • Loss
• Fear • Love • Family • Money
• Faith • Nature • Freedom • Peace
• The Future • Poverty • Giving • Pride
• Greed • Honesty • Truth • Hope • War • Identity • Wisdom • Independence
Themes & proverbs
Usually, an author’s theme can be stated in terms that resemble familiar sayings or proverbs. Look at these English sayings.
• Love is the greatest gift of all.
• Money can't buy you love.
• A gift must come from the heart.
• Beauty comes from within.
Which of the four sayings best describes the main theme of The Gift of the Magi? Why?
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