1. What is the setting of the story "The Gift of the Magi"?
· Answer: The story is set in a small apartment in a city.
2. Describe Della's most prized possession.
· Answer: Della's most prized possession is her long, beautiful hair.
3. What sacrifice does Della make to buy a gift for Jim?
· Answer: Della sacrifices her long hair by cutting and selling it to a wig-maker.
4. What sacrifice does Jim make to buy a gift for Della?
· Answer: Jim sacrifices his father's gold watch, a family heirloom, to buy combs for Della's hair.
5. How does the story "The Gift of the Magi" reflect the theme of selfless love?
· Answer: The story reflects selfless love through the sacrifices Della and Jim make for each other, putting their partner's happiness above their own.
6. What is the significance of the title "The Gift of the Magi" in the story?
· Answer: The title alludes to the wise men (Magi) who brought gifts to the baby Jesus. It suggests that Della and Jim, like the Magi, give gifts as a symbol of love and sacrifice.
7. How does the ending of the story emphasize the true meaning of Christmas?
· Answer: The ending emphasizes that the true meaning of Christmas lies in love and selflessness rather than material possessions.
8. What lesson does the story teach about the importance of material possessions?
· Answer: The story teaches that material possessions are temporary and can be replaced, while true love and selflessness are invaluable.
9. How does O. Henry use irony in "The Gift of the Magi" to convey a deeper message?
· Answer: The irony lies in the fact that both Della and Jim sacrifice their most cherished possessions to buy gifts for each other, only to find that the gifts are now useless. This highlights the depth of their love and the futility of their sacrifices.
10. How do Della and Jim demonstrate their understanding of each other's values through their gifts?
· Answer: Della demonstrates her understanding of Jim's values by buying a chain for the watch he treasures. Jim shows his understanding of Della's values by buying combs for her beautiful hair.
11. What is the significance of the opening sentence, "One dollar and eighty-seven cents"?
· Answer: The opening sentence sets the tone for the story by emphasizing the limited financial resources of the main characters, Della and Jim.
12. How does Della feel when she realizes how little money she has for Jim's gift?
· Answer: Della feels a mixture of frustration and sadness when she realizes how little money she has.
13. Why is Della anxious about Jim's reaction to her new appearance?
· Answer: Della is anxious because she's uncertain how Jim will react to her drastically changed appearance after she cuts her hair.
14. What is the central conflict in the story?
· Answer: The central conflict in the story is the desire of both Della and Jim to give each other meaningful gifts despite their limited financial means.
15. How does O. Henry use descriptive language to evoke emotion in the story?
· Answer: O. Henry uses descriptive language to paint vivid pictures of Della's hair and Jim's watch, creating a strong emotional impact on the reader.
16. What role does the watch play in the story?
· Answer: The watch is Jim's most prized possession, a family heirloom that he cherishes. He sells it to buy combs for Della's hair.
17. How does the story challenge conventional notions of gift-giving?
· Answer: The story challenges the idea that a gift's value is determined by its material worth, emphasizing instead the sentiment and sacrifice behind the gift.
18. What does the story suggest about the nature of true wealth and happiness?
· Answer: The story suggests that true wealth and happiness are found in selfless love and the deep connection between two people, rather than in material possessions.
19. How does the story demonstrate the timeless nature of love and sacrifice?
· Answer: The story's themes of love and sacrifice are universal and not bound by any specific time period, making them relevant to readers across generations.
20. Why is the story "The Gift of the Magi" considered a classic in literature?
· Answer: The story is considered a classic due to its timeless themes of love, sacrifice, and the true meaning of gift-giving. It resonates with readers and has a powerful emotional impact.
21. How does Jim react when he sees Della's new hairstyle?
· Answer: Jim is initially shocked and then deeply moved by Della's sacrifice.
22. Why does Della cry when Jim first sees her after her haircut?
· Answer: Della cries because she is afraid Jim will be disappointed or upset by her new appearance.
23. How do Della and Jim's actions reflect the theme of selflessness?
· Answer: Della and Jim both sacrifice their most cherished possessions to buy gifts for each other, demonstrating their selfless love.
24. Why do Della and Jim's gifts ultimately become ironic?
· Answer: Della's gift of combs becomes ironic because she no longer has her long hair, and Jim's gift of a watch chain becomes ironic because he no longer has his watch.
25. What does the story suggest about the value of material possessions in comparison to love and sacrifice?
· Answer: The story suggests that material possessions are fleeting and can be replaced, whereas love and sacrifice hold enduring value.
26. How does the story convey a message of hope and resilience in the face of financial hardship?
· Answer: Despite their limited means, Della and Jim find a way to express their love through their gifts, showing resilience and hope.
27. Why does the author, O. Henry, use the term "Magi" in the title of the story?
· Answer: The term "Magi" is used metaphorically to emphasize the selfless giving of Della and Jim, akin to the wise men who brought gifts to Jesus.
28. How does the story's ending leave a lasting impression on the reader?
· Answer: The ending leaves a lasting impression by highlighting the depth of Della and Jim's love and the beauty of their sacrifices.
29. What does the story teach about the nature of true wealth and happiness?
· Answer: The story teaches that true wealth and happiness are found in the depth of human connection and the willingness to give of oneself.
30. In what ways does the story evoke a sense of empathy and emotional connection in the reader?
· Answer: The story evokes empathy by portraying the struggles and sacrifices of Della and Jim, allowing readers to relate to their experiences.
31. How does Della feel when she first sees the combs Jim bought for her?
· Answer: Della is initially overcome with joy and gratitude when she sees the combs.
32. Why does O. Henry describe Della's hair as "rippling and shining"?
· Answer: This description emphasizes the beauty and value of Della's hair, which she sacrifices for Jim.
33. How does Jim's reaction to Della's gift reflect his character?
· Answer: Jim's reaction shows that he values Della's happiness and the sentiment behind the gift more than the material possession itself.
34. What does the story suggest about the role of surprise and anticipation in gift-giving?
· Answer: The story suggests that the element of surprise and anticipation can enhance the emotional impact and value of a gift.
35. How does O. Henry's use of descriptive language contribute to the reader's understanding of the characters' emotions?
· Answer: Descriptive language helps to vividly portray the characters' feelings, making their emotions more relatable to the reader.
36. How does Della's sacrifice for Jim compare to Jim's sacrifice for Della?
· Answer: Both sacrifices are deeply meaningful and reflect the characters' love for each other, but they involve different cherished possessions.
37. Why is the theme of sacrifice central to the story's message?
· Answer: The theme of sacrifice underscores the idea that true love involves giving up something valuable for the sake of the loved one.
38. How does the story's message transcend cultural and time boundaries?
· Answer: The story's message of love and sacrifice is universal, making it relevant and relatable across different cultures and time periods.
39. How does the story "The Gift of the Magi" challenge traditional notions of gift-giving?
· Answer: The story challenges the idea that a gift's value is solely determined by its material worth, highlighting the importance of sentiment and sacrifice.
40. Why do you think "The Gift of the Magi" continues to resonate with readers even today?
· Answer: The story's themes of love, sacrifice, and the true meaning of gift-giving are timeless and continue to touch the hearts of readers from various backgrounds.
41. How does Della's attitude towards her hair change throughout the story?
· Answer: At first, Della is proud of her hair, but later she sees it as a means to obtain a gift for Jim.
42. What is the significance of Jim's watch being described as "the most precious thing" to him?
· Answer: The watch holds sentimental value as it was passed down through generations in Jim's family.
43. How does O. Henry use humor in "The Gift of the Magi"?
· Answer: O. Henry uses humor to lighten the mood and add a touch of irony, particularly in situations like Della and Jim's ironic gifts.
44. How does Della's willingness to sell her hair reflect her love for Jim?
· Answer: Della is willing to part with something she cherishes deeply in order to make Jim happy, showing the depth of her love.
45. Why does Jim's reaction to Della's gift underscore the story's theme of selfless love?
· Answer: Jim's reaction demonstrates that he values Della's happiness more than the material possession, emphasizing their selflessness.
46. How does the story's ending convey a sense of hope and optimism?
· Answer: The ending suggests that the strength of Della and Jim's love will carry them through any challenges they face.
47. How does the story address the idea of beauty and its subjective nature?
· Answer: The story suggests that true beauty lies in the love and sacrifices people make for each other, rather than in physical appearance.
48. Why do you think "The Gift of the Magi" has become a beloved and enduring classic in literature?
· Answer: The story's universal themes of love, sacrifice, and the true meaning of gift-giving resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds.
49. What does the story suggest about the importance of communication and understanding in a relationship?
· Answer: The story highlights the importance of knowing and understanding each other's values and desires in a relationship.
50. How does the story "The Gift of the Magi" inspire readers to reflect on their own values and priorities?
· Answer: The story prompts readers to consider what they truly value and how they express their love for others.