“The Gift of the Magi” Questions
Answer in complete sentences.
Name _________________ P_____
Setting
1. What is the setting of the story? Think about time and place.
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Characters-2 and 3 do not have to be in complete sentences. Question 4 should be
answered in complete sentences.
2. How many characters are in the story? ________________
3. What are their
names?___________________________________________________________
4. Characters are often developed by what they say. Which character speaks the following
lines AND what do these lines tell us about their character?
• And now I think we should have our dinner.
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• Will you buy my hair?
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• I sold the watch to get the money to buy the combs.
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• You've cut off your hair?
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• Isn't it perfect, Jim?
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• What could I do with a dollar and eighty-seven cents?
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• Don't you like me now?
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• You won't care, will you?
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Plot
5. What is the climax of the story?
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6. What is the resolution of the story?
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Essay:
Usually, an author’s theme can be stated in terms that resemble familiar sayings or proverbs. Look
at the following statements.
– Love is the greatest gift of all.
– Money can’t buy you love.
– A gift must come from the heart.
– Beauty comes from within.
Use text evidence to answer the following question in an essay. Which of the four sayings best
describes the main theme of The Gift of the Magi? Why?
The final draft will be due at the end of class of tomorrow.
Extras—
Audio Readings
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hf0gM-fSqq
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=YR4ediL1G-o
Major and Minor Themes
A story usually has one main theme and several minor themes. Below is a list of some common
general themes in literature around the world. Think of some stories or movies that you are
familiar with and try to identify some of the themes in them. Eight of these themes can be found in
The Gift of the Magi. Explain how O.Henry uses each theme you identify and then check the key
to see if you have found all the themes in the story. Circle the eight themes you think are found in
the story.
• Art
• Bravery
• Fear
• Faith
• The Future
• Greed
• War
• Justice
• Law
• Love
• Nature
• Poverty
• Honesty
• Identity
• Beauty
• Death
• Family
• Freedom
• Giving
• Truth
• Wisdom
• Knowledge
• Loss
• Money
• Peace
• Pride
• Hope
• Independence
Themes & proverbs
Usually, an author’s theme can be stated in terms that resemble familiar sayings or proverbs. Look
at these English sayings.
• Love is the greatest gift of all.
• Money can't buy you love.
• A gift must come from the heart.
• Beauty comes from within.
Which of the four sayings best describes the main theme of The Gift of the Magi? Why?