20 Questions
What was the amount of money Della had to buy Jim a present?
One dollar and eighty-seven cents
How much was the weekly rent for the furnished flat?
$8
What was the name on the card next to the electric button?
Mr. James Dillingham Young
What did Della do after finishing her cry?
Attended to her cheeks with the powder rag
What did the James Dillingham Youngs take pride in?
Two possessions
What did Della do after whirling from the window and standing before the mirror?
Pulled down her hair and let it fall to its full length
What did Jim do when Della asked for his watch?
He tumbled down on the couch and smiled
What did Jim do with the Christmas presents?
He suggested putting them away and keeping them for a while
Who are referred to as the magi in the text?
Wise men who brought gifts to the baby Jesus
What did the magi invent according to the text?
The art of giving Christmas presents
What is the significance of Jim selling his watch?
To buy combs for Della
What did Jim and Della sacrifice for each other?
Their greatest treasures
What does the text imply about the wisdom of Jim and Della?
They were the wisest in giving and receiving gifts
What is the message conveyed about gift-giving in the text?
The act of giving and receiving gifts is a wise practice
What did Della do to buy a platinum fob chain for Jim's watch?
She sold her long, beautiful hair for $20
What did Jim sell to buy combs for Della's hair?
He sold his watch
How did Della feel when she was waiting for Jim at home?
Nervous about her decision
What was Della's reaction when Jim revealed that he sold his watch?
She was upset because she no longer had her beautiful hair to use the combs with
What is the central theme of 'The Gift of the Magi'?
Sacrifices made out of love and the irony of their gifts
What did Della and Jim express despite the situation?
Love and appreciation for each other
Study Notes
The Gift of the Magi Summary
- Della sells her long, beautiful hair for $20 to buy a platinum fob chain for Jim's watch
- Della buys the fob chain for $21, leaving her with 87 cents
- Della then repairs the damages done to her hair with curling irons
- Della prepares a meal and waits for Jim at home, feeling nervous about her decision
- When Jim arrives, he is shocked to see Della's short hair but doesn't reveal his own surprise
- Della explains that she sold her hair to buy him a gift, and Jim reveals that he sold his watch to buy her combs for her hair
- Della is upset because she no longer has her beautiful hair to use the combs with
- Jim reassures Della that her hair will grow back, and she presents him with the fob chain
- Della's joy turns to tears as she realizes the irony of their gifts
- Despite the situation, Della and Jim express their love and appreciation for each other
- The story emphasizes the sacrifices made out of love and the irony of their gifts
- The theme of selflessness and love is central to the story, showcasing the couple's deep devotion to each other
Test your understanding of the classic short story "The Gift of the Magi" with this quiz. Explore the themes of sacrifice, love, and irony as you answer questions about the plot and characters.
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