The Gift of the Magi Study Guide PDF

**The Gift of the Magi - Study Guide** *Which is the better gift, the comb or the pocket watch? [O. Henry](https://americanliterature.com/author/o-henry)\'s short story, [**The Gift of the Magi**](https://americanliterature.com/author/o-henry/short-story/the-gift%20of%20the%20magi) (1905) offers a...

**The Gift of the Magi - Study Guide** *Which is the better gift, the comb or the pocket watch? [O. Henry](https://americanliterature.com/author/o-henry)\'s short story, [**The Gift of the Magi**](https://americanliterature.com/author/o-henry/short-story/the-gift%20of%20the%20magi) (1905) offers a memorable ironic twist. We hope our study guide is particularly useful for teachers and students to study irony and appreciate O. Henry\'s clever literary devices.* Read the story: [The Gift of the Magi](https://americanliterature.com/author/o-henry/short-story/the-gift-of-the-magi), [Character Analysis & Summary](https://americanliterature.com/the-gift-of-the-magi-study-guide#character-analysis), [Genre & Literary Devices](https://americanliterature.com/the-gift-of-the-magi-study-guide#genre-literary-devices), [Etymology of \"Magi\"](https://americanliterature.com/the-gift-of-the-magi-study-guide#etymology), [Quotes](https://americanliterature.com/the-gift-of-the-magi-study-guide#quotes), [Discussion Questions](https://americanliterature.com/the-gift-of-the-magi-study-guide#discussion-questions), [Paired Readings](https://americanliterature.com/the-gift-of-the-magi-study-guide#paired-reading), [Useful Links](https://americanliterature.com/the-gift-of-the-magi-study-guide#useful-links), and [Notes/Teacher Comments](https://americanliterature.com/the-gift-of-the-magi-study-guide#notes) ***Character Analysis & Summary*** [The Gift of the Magi: combing hair*Della combing her hair*](https://americanliterature.com/author/o-henry/short-story/the-gift-of-the-magi) ***Genre & Literary Devices*** Genre Literary Devices Biblical References Primary Themes Comparative Themes [*The Three Kings*](https://americanliterature.com/author/henry-wadsworth-longfellow/poem/the-three-kings) ***Etymology of \"Magi\"*** Magi is Latin, meaning skilled magicians, astrologers. Singular is \"magus\" which is the Persian root from Indo-Iranian \"magh\" which means powerful and rich, expressing ability. The Latins called them wise men, the Persians called them Magi.\ Also from the Greek \"magos\" (5th century BCE) which refers to the Persian priestly and learned class as portrayed in [The Bible](https://americanliterature.com/holy-bible/home) in ***The Gospel of Matthew*** According to [Ludolph of Saxony](http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Magi) (died 1378):\ \"*The three pagan kings were called Magi not because they were magicians but because of the great science of astrology which was theirs. Those whom the Hebrews called scribes and the Greeks, philosophers, and the Latins, wise men, the Persians called Magi. And the reason that they were called kings is that in those days it was the custom for the philosophers and wise men to be rulers.\"* [The Gift of the Magi: pocketwatch*Pocketwatch, 1859*](https://americanliterature.com/author/o-henry/short-story/the-gift-of-the-magi) ***Quotes*** Explain what the following quotes mean and how they relate to the story: [*Tortoise-shell comb*](https://americanliterature.com/author/o-henry/short-story/the-gift-of-the-magi) ***Discussion Questions*** [Giovanni Boccaccio, Federigo\'s Falcon*Federigo\'s Falcon*](https://americanliterature.com/author/giovanni-boccaccio/short-story/federigos-falcon) ***Paired Reading Suggestions*** Compare [***The Gift of the Magi***](https://americanliterature.com/author/o-henry/short-story/the-gift-of-the-magi) to other stories of the sub-genre \"dramatic irony\": When comparing uses of dramatic irony, discuss plot, themes, the role of irony in engaging the reader, and contrasts that make each story unique. *[Teachers]: Challenge students to identify other stories they\'ve read which contain dramatic irony, perhaps assign them to compose their own, to more fully appreciate the richness and appeal of irony in storytelling. It\'s both a pleasure for the audience and the writer!* [*O. Henry*](https://americanliterature.com/author/o-henry) ***Useful Links*** [Teacher Resources*A Teacher\'s Work Is Never Done*](https://americanliterature.com/teachers) ***Notes/Teacher Comments*** *We need to hear from you! Please share your lesson plans, discussion questions, or pitfalls to avoid while teaching this work, in pursuing our common interests of helping more students enjoy reading classic literature! Contact us via [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/americanliteraturedotcom/) or [Twitter](https://twitter.com/amlitreader?lang=en)* Visit our [Teacher Resources](https://americanliterature.com/teachers) for recommended works, supporting literacy instruction across all grade levels