https://www.auburn.edu/~vestmon/Gift_of_the_Magi.html
DAY 1:​
You can read the short story by clicking on the link above, or finding it on page 151 of your
literature books.
After reading the story, “The Gift of the Magi” answer the following questions. E-mail me if you have
questions.
1. What is your reaction to the ending of the story?
2. What are the Young's’ two prized possessions?
3. What two gifts do they buy each other?
4. How does each get the money to buy the other a gift?
5. This of three words you might use to describe Jim and Della’s relationship.
6. O. Henry calls Della and Jim “foolish,” but he also says, “These two were the wisest.” What does he
mean?
7. What would you say the theme of this story is?
8. Do you think the spirit of sacrifice in the holiday season is still alive and well today, or has it
disappeared? Explain.
9. Have you experienced gift giving in the spirit described in this story? Explain.
10. Would you recommend this short story to others? Who would you recommend it to, and why?