The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry

Explore 'The Gift of the Magi' with engaging questions on plot, theme, and characters!

About the writer:William Sydney Porter (September 11, 1862 – June 5, 1910), better known by his pen nameO. Henry, was an American short story writer.Porter was born inGreensboro, North Carolina, and later moved toTexasin 1882. It was there that he met his wife, Athol Estes, with whom he had two children. In 1902, after the death of his wife, Porter moved toNew York, where he soon remarried. It was while he was in New York that Porter's most intensive writing period occurred, with Porter writing 381 short stories.Porter's works include "The Gift of the Magi", "The Duplicity of Hargraves", and "The Ransom of Red Chief". His stories are known for their surprise endings and witty narration. Porter also wrote poetry and non-fiction.Porter's legacy includes the O. Henry Award, an annual prize awarded to outstanding short stories. Here are some key words... Label the images using the words : the Magi, mirror, combs, watch, chain, long hair combs watch chain mirror long hair the Magi "The Gift of the Magi" short film (with subtitles) Watch the filmed (modernised) version of the story! Or, if you prefer, you can read the story.... At the beginning of the story, which of the following makes Della very upset and crying? the thought of parting with her hair the idea of not having a present good enough for Jim the thought that short hair may be unattractive the possibility that Jim would not be able to buy her a gift Della's hair and Jim's watch have always made them feel: proud worthy of each other nervous ashamed of their other possessions What did Della want to buy her husband Jim for Christmas? a nice Christmas meal a chain for his gold time piece (watch) a winter coat What did Della sell to get the $20 she needed to buy her husband's present? her hair her watch her rings Why does Jim react so strangely when Della tells him she has sold her hair? He thinks she looks like a school boy He is ashamed of not being an adequate provider He is upset that she didn't consult him He has bought a gift for her that is no longer usable What did Jim buy for his wife for Christmas? a hat a bracelet a set of combs a diamond ring What has Jim sold in order to buy a present for Della? His family's watch his shoes He didn't sell anything his coat When Jim and Della realize the full extent of what they have done, they: refuse to believe it look for someone else to blame try to make the best of it make plans to undo what they have done What is Jim's response when he realizes that both of their gifts are now useless to each other? To smile and move on He can't say anything, he is too angry To argue with Della about her silliness He suggests they each buy a new gift Who are the Magi? The Wise Men who brought gifts to the baby Jesus Madame Sofronie The magicians Read the events described below and put them in the correct order writing a number from 1 to 10. 4. Della shops for Jim’s Christmas present.7. Jim sees Della’s haircut9. Della gives Jim his Christmas present.2. Della decides to sell her hair.8. Jim gives Della the combs.5. Della buys a watch chain for Jim.1. Della has saved only $1.87 to buy Jim a Christmas present.6. Jim arrives home from work.3. Della sells her hair for $20.10_. Jim recommends that they put their gifts away and have dinner. ReflectionWrite a paragraph describing your opinion on the story - did you like it (why yes What do you think of Della and Jim's actions? Would you do the same? Who for? Which sentence best summarizes the theme of "The Gift of the Magi"? Love and money always go together and buy the perfect happiness. Generosity and selfish sacrifice add value to relationship and love. Gifts and material objects can change people and make them wise the day before Christmas. Generosity and selfless sacrifice add value to relationship and love.