Literary Devices in 'The Gift of the Magi' and Odysseus
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Questions and Answers

What amount does Della have to spend on a Christmas present for her husband?

$1.87

What word in the quote indicates Della and Jim's poverty?

shabby

What literary device is used in the phrase 'Life is made up of sobs, sniffles and smiles'?

alliteration

Why is the electric button in the vestibule described as non-functional?

<p>it is broken</p> Signup and view all the answers

What familial connection does Jim's gold watch have?

<p>father</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Della's hair represent in comparison to Queen of Sheba's treasures?

<p>magnificent</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Jim's watch being compared to what even King Solomon would envy?

<p>Solomon</p> Signup and view all the answers

How long does Della's hair reach?

<p>knees</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect do the lotus flowers have on the men who eat them?

<p>The lotus flowers make the men want to stay and eat them, causing them to lose their desire to return home.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What must Odysseus do to gain Circe's permission to leave her island?

<p>Odysseus must seek the wisdom of the blind prophet to gain Circe's permission to leave.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the characteristics of the Sirens, and how does Odysseus protect his men from them?

<p>The Sirens are half bird, half human. Odysseus protects his men by putting beeswax in their ears and having himself tied down to the ship to listen.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why do Odysseus's men face dire consequences after killing Helios's cattle?

<p>They face dire consequences after killing the cattle because Zeus punishes them with a lighting bolt, resulting in their deaths.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Odysseus prove his identity to Penelope when he returns home?

<p>Odysseus proves his identity to Penelope by describing their bed, which he built himself and is immovable.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Charybdis, and why is she considered a threat to Odysseus and his crew?

<p>Charybdis is a giant whirlpool that has the ability to suck down ships, occurring three times a day. It poses a significant danger because it can easily swallow an entire vessel.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the challenge that Penelope sets for the suitors regarding the bow?

<p>The suitors must string Odysseus's bow and shoot an arrow through twelve axe heads to win her hand.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Homer compare the men taken by Scylla, and what does this imply about their fate?

<p>Homer compares the men killed by Scylla to fish being caught. This implies that their deaths are as inevitable as fish being trapped in a net.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why did Odysseus's men kill the cattle on Helios's island, despite knowing it was wrong?

<p>They killed the cattle because they preferred to face the wrath of the gods rather than die of hunger. They believed they could make sacrifices to appease the gods afterward.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who recognizes Odysseus first upon his return to Ithaca, and what is their reaction?

<p>Argos, Odysseus's dog, recognizes him first, and Odysseus cries upon seeing his loyal companion. Argos passes away shortly after.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What test must the suitors pass to win Penelope's hand, and what does this signify?

<p>The suitors must string Odysseus's bow and shoot an arrow through 12 axe sockets. This test signifies their worthiness to marry Penelope, who remains loyal to Odysseus.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Athena assist Odysseus upon his return to Ithaca?

<p>Athena helps Odysseus by disguising him as a beggar and turning him young again. This transformation enables him to strategize his re-entry into his household.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'beggar' (Odysseus) boast to Penelope about her husband, and how does she respond?

<p>The 'beggar' tells Penelope that Odysseus is alive and on his way home. She treats him kindly and expresses her sorrow for Odysseus's absence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of chain does Della desire to buy for Jim, and what characteristics does she appreciate about its design?

<p>Della desires a platinum fob chain for Jim, which is valued for its 'quietness' and 'unadorned' design.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What accessory is Jim's watch currently lacking, as mentioned in the text?

<p>Jim's watch is currently lacking a proper chain, as it only has an old leather strap.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does O. Henry use simile to describe Della after she curls her hair?

<p>O. Henry describes Della as looking wonderfully like a truant schoolboy due to her tiny curls.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Jim lack that further emphasizes the couple's poverty when he comes home from work?

<p>Jim lacks a new overcoat and he is without gloves.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What literary device is demonstrated when Jim reacts to Della's haircut with unreadable emotions?

<p>This situation exemplifies parallel structure, as Jim's emotional reaction is described using a series of contrasting responses.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Della assure Jim she will do regarding her hair after he expresses concern?

<p>Della assures Jim that she will grow her hair out again.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What gift does Jim buy for Della, and how does she react upon opening her present?

<p>Jim buys Della a set of combs made of pure tortoise shell, eliciting a realization of his sacrifice regarding her haircut.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does O. Henry imply about Jim and Della's sacrifices at the end of the story?

<p>O. Henry implies they are 'the wisest' givers, reflecting the value of their sacrificial love despite their seemingly foolish choices.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Odysseus promise his men for their loyalty?

<p>He promises them marriage, cattle, and a house near his, along with brothers to Telemachus.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do the suitors react when Odysseus attempts Penelope's test?

<p>They laugh and make fun of him.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the suitors' reaction when Odysseus successfully passes the test?

<p>They are shocked.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is Atinous and what happens to him?

<p>Atinous is one of the leaders of the suitors and is killed first.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of Athena in Odysseus' journey?

<p>Athena is the goddess of wisdom and war who aids Odysseus.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Odysseus' dog Argos signify loyalty?

<p>Argos is a loyal dog who dies upon hearing Odysseus's voice.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What important deed does Hermes perform for Odysseus?

<p>Hermes is sent by Zeus to order Calypso to release Odysseus.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Define an epic poem in the context of Odysseus' journey.

<p>An epic poem is a long narrative poem recounting the deeds of a hero.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Salvador's name signify and how does it reflect his character?

<p>Salvador means 'savior', which reflects his responsible nature and the burden he carries for his family.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the author use imagery to convey Salvador's living conditions?

<p>The author uses imagery to depict a 'house of bad weather', illustrating the dangers of drugs, violence, and crime in his environment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way does Salvador feel 'invisible' in his life?

<p>Salvador feels 'invisible' because his teacher does not know his name and his mother pays little attention to him.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What hope does the metaphor of the 'hundred balloon of happiness' represent for Salvador?

<p>The 'hundred balloon of happiness' symbolizes Salvador's hope for a better future despite his difficult circumstances.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe one characteristic of Salvador that stands out in the story.

<p>One standout characteristic of Salvador is his responsibility, as he consistently cares for his brothers and helps his mother.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What narrative point of view is used in the story to depict Salvador's experiences?

<p>The story is told from a third-person limited point of view, focusing on Salvador's thoughts and feelings.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does rhythm play a role in conveying the pace of Salvador's life?

<p>The rhythm of the story reflects Salvador's busy life, capturing the chaotic and fast-paced environment he navigates.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the image of kites suggest about Salvador's state of mind?

<p>The memory of kites suggests that Salvador holds onto hope, despite the harsh realities of his life.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Summary of a Story or Article

  • The provided text appears to be an excerpt from a longer work (story, novel, or article) focusing on the theme of sacrifice, love, and poverty within a specific context.
  • The story features a couple, Della and Jim, facing hardships and making significant choices during the Christmas season.
  • Key details include Della selling her hair to buy a gift for her husband, who sold a precious family heirloom—his watch—to buy her a gift.
  • The story exhibits a significant plot involving a difficult choice regarding financial resources necessary for gift-giving.
  • The repetition of the word "gray" enhances the mood and serves as a symbolic representation of their circumstances.
  • The characters' actions highlight the significance of sacrifice and love.
  • Figurative language (simile) and symbolism are employed to reveal themes of poverty, sacrifice and love.

Character Analysis

  • Della and Jim demonstrate strong characters who are willing to make sacrifices for each other.
  • The story emphasizes the value of love and sacrifices made by Della and Jim during the Christmas season.
  • The use of symbolism and imagery highlights their struggles and vulnerabilities.
  • The characters embody the struggles of the poor.

Setting and Atmosphere

  • The setting is a cramped, modest apartment in an urban environment, creating a feel of poverty and hardship.
  • The description of the shabby apartment, the missing functionality of the electric button, and the "gray" surroundings emphasize the physical and emotional hardships.

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The Gift of the Magi PDF

Description

This quiz explores key themes and literary devices in O. Henry's 'The Gift of the Magi' and Homer's 'Odyssey'. Test your knowledge of character symbolism, familial connections, and the depiction of challenges faced by Odysseus. Understand the significance of the quotes and their contextual meanings.

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