The Gift of the Magi Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What did Della want Jim to do with her gift?

  • Try it on his watch (correct)
  • Admire it in the box
  • Gift it to someone else
  • Put it away for later use

What did Jim sacrifice to buy combs for Della?

  • His favorite book
  • His savings
  • A family heirloom
  • His watch (correct)

How did Jim react when Della showed him her gift?

  • He laughed out loud
  • He immediately put it away
  • He was disappointed
  • He smiled and embraced her (correct)

What does the author suggest about the gifts exchanged by Della and Jim?

<p>They were foolish sacrifices for each other (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the lesson conveyed about gift giving through Della and Jim's actions?

<p>The act of giving holds more significance than the gifts themselves (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What items did Della and Jim take pride in?

<p>Della's hair and Jim's gold watch (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Della decide to sell to buy a present for Jim?

<p>Her hair (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Della feel when she viewed her reflection?

<p>Bright and joyful (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the platinum fob chain Della found?

<p>It was a unique and special gift for Jim (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What kind of establishment did Della visit to sell her hair?

<p>A hair goods shop (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Della describe her feelings as she collected Jim's gift?

<p>She felt joyful and carefree (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the immediate reaction of Madame when Della asked to sell her hair?

<p>She showed interest and made an offer quickly (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Della do before leaving her apartment to sell her hair?

<p>She let her hair fall and styled it (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What amount of money did Della have saved before Christmas?

<p>$1.87 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which item did Della use as a part of her saving strategy?

<p>Pennies saved by bargaining with store owners (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How much was the couple's income before it was reduced?

<p>$30 per week (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What emotional state does Della express while counting her money?

<p>Sorrow (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the condition of the apartment suggest about Della and Jim's financial situation?

<p>They are struggling financially (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one significant feature of Della and Jim's living situation?

<p>They had a pier-glass in their room (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Della react to her financial predicament?

<p>She cried and felt hopeless (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes Della's feelings about buying a present for Jim?

<p>Unworthy and inadequate (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant sacrifice did Della make for Jim?

<p>She cut off and sold her hair. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Jim first react upon realizing Della had cut her hair?

<p>He seemed confused. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Della hope Jim would think about her after cutting her hair?

<p>That she was still the same person. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Jim's gift to Della?

<p>A set of expensive combs. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What emotions did Della experience when she opened Jim's gift?

<p>Happiness followed by disappointment. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What literary device is primarily used in the situation between Della and Jim?

<p>Irony. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Della's statement about love imply?

<p>Her love for Jim is greater than any physical trait. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Jim's action of throwing Della's gift on the table reflect his feelings?

<p>He was confident and excited. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Della's main motivation for cutting her hair?

<p>To sell it for money to buy Jim a gift (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How much money did Della have after buying the chain for Jim's watch?

<p>$0.87 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Della do to her hair before Jim arrived?

<p>She curled it to enhance her appearance (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Jim's condition when he entered the house?

<p>He appeared thin and serious (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Della feel when she heard Jim's step on the stairs?

<p>Nervous and frightened (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Jim's expression when he first saw Della?

<p>A peculiar, unreadable expression (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Della notice about Jim's watch that bothered her?

<p>It had an old leather strap instead of a chain (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Della do just before Jim arrived home?

<p>She lit the gas and worked on her hair (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

The Gift of the Magi: Central Theme

The story is about a young couple, Jim and Della, who struggle financially but are deeply in love. They face the challenge of finding the perfect Christmas gifts for each other, with limited resources. Their love and desire to make each other happy drive the storyline.

Della's Financial Situation

Della is a loving and resourceful wife who wants to buy Jim a special Christmas present. She has saved every penny she could, but she only has $1.87 to buy him something remarkable.

Jim and Della's Living Conditions

Jim and Della live in a modest apartment. They barely have enough money to cover their expenses, making it very difficult to afford the perfect gifts for each other.

Della's Desire for a Perfect Gift

Della is determined to find a gift for Jim that is worthy of his love. She wants something special and valuable, even though she has limited resources.

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Resource Constraints and Christmas

Della wants to buy Jim a present, but she has very little money to work with. This highlights the financial struggle that many people face, especially during the holiday season.

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Love and Generosity in Poverty

The story emphasizes the importance of love and generosity, even when you are struggling financially. Jim and Della are willing to sacrifice things they hold dear for each other's happiness.

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The Meaning of True Value

The story explores the idea that true value isn't only found in expensive material possessions. It can be found in the love and sacrifice we share with others.

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Literary Style: Setting and Description

The story uses vivid descriptions and details to create a realistic and relatable portrayal of life in a simple apartment setting. This helps readers connect with the characters and understand their struggles.

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Prized Possession

An object or possession that holds a high level of personal value, often passed down through generations or holding sentimental significance.

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Depreciate

To reduce or diminish the worth or attractiveness of something by comparison.

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Fob Chain

A type of chain that attaches to a pocket watch, usually made of a valuable material such as platinum or gold.

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Chaste Design

A style or design that is simple and elegant, emphasizing quality and substance over elaborate embellishments.

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Ransacking the Stores

The act of searching thoroughly through a store or its inventory for a specific item.

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Meretricious Ornamentation

Characteristics, traits, or qualities that make something noticeably appealing or attractive.

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Tripped By

To move rapidly or with great speed, often with a sense of excitement or anticipation.

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Hashed Metaphor

To express something in a way that is exaggerated or overly dramatic.

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Della's Financial Struggle

Della is a young woman who is desperately trying to buy Jim a meaningful Christmas present, but she has very little money.

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Della's Sacrifice

Della sells her long hair, which is a precious possession to her, to buy Jim a gift for Christmas.

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Jim's Responsibilities

Although Jim is young, he takes on the responsibilities of a family man and is trying his best to provide for his wife.

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Jim's Reaction to Della's Haircut

Jim is surprised and shocked by Della's new haircut. He is trying to figure out what's going on.

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Della's Anxiety

Della is concerned that Jim might not like her new haircut and worries he might even be upset with her.

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The Gift of the Magi: Theme

The story highlights that true value and love are not determined by material possessions, but by the love and care you show for one another.

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The Setting of the Story

The story takes place during the Christmas season, which is a time for giving and celebrating love.

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Love and Sacrifice

The story emphasizes how much Jim and Della love each other, and their willingness to make sacrifices to show their affection.

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Selling a Prized Possession

The act of selling something valuable, often out of necessity or to acquire something more desired.

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Ecstatic Scream of Joy

A feeling of intense joy and excitement, often accompanied by a sudden surge of emotions. It's a moment of pure happiness that takes one by surprise.

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Hysterical Tears and Wails

A feeling of overwhelming sadness or despair, often accompanied by uncontrollable crying or weeping.

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True Value Beyond Material Worth

The idea that true value isn't always found in expensive material possessions, but rather in the emotional significance, love, and sacrifice that something represents.

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Tearing at the String and Paper

The act of taking something apart or causing it to separate into smaller pieces, often with a sense of urgency or excitement.

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Air of Idiocy

A feeling of being surprised or confused, sometimes to the point of appearing foolish or lacking understanding.

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Study Notes

The Gift of the Magi

  • Setting: A furnished flat, $8 per week, in a city, Christmas Eve.
  • Characters: Della and Jim (James Dillingham Young)
  • Della's Dilemma: Only $1.87 to buy Jim a gift for Christmas.
  • Jim's Gift: A chain for his prized watch.
  • Della's Sacrifice: Sells her beautiful hair for $20 to buy Jim's gift.
  • Jim's Reaction: Stands in shock at first when he sees Della without her hair, realizing she sacrificed her hair, not a material commodity that will diminish in value.
  • Mutual Sacrifice: Both Della and Jim sacrificed cherished possessions for each other.
  • Theme: Sacrifice of the characters for love, valuing relationships over material possessions.
  • Importance of Giving: The story highlights the importance of giving and the significance of unselfish acts of love.

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