"The Gift of the Magi"

O. Henry

Name__________________________________

Pre-reading

1. O. Henry was the pseudonym of _____________________________.
2. Where was Henry born?
3. For what magazine did he work?
4. With what crime was he charged?
5. What did he begin to do while in prison?
6. What is the setting of most of his stories?
7. For what are O. Henry’s stories famous?
8. Who are O. Henry’s favorite characters?

1. How much money does Della have? How did she manage to save it?
2. What is a pier glass?
3. Who was the Queen of Sheba?
4. Who was King Solomon?
5. Why does Della need money?
6. What does Della sell? How much money does she get?
7. Of what two possessions are the James Dillingham Youngs most proud?
8. What does Della buy for Jim?
9. What does Della do when she gets home?
10. What is a fob chain?
11. What is Coney Island?
12. How does Jim react to Della’s appearance at first?
13. Is Jim really upset about the haircut? What has he purchased for Della?
14. What similarity exists between the magi and the characters in this story? Why does the narrator call Della and Jim not foolish but wise?

 

 

15. What is a magi?

 

 

16. What facts in the story show that Jim and Della enjoyed a "former period of prosperity"?

 

 

17. What reaction does Della fear that Jim may have upon seeing her bobbed hair?

 

 

18. What action on the part of Jim shows that his love for Della is greater than any gift?

 

 

 

19. What comparison is made between the gifts that Della and Jim exchange and the gifts brought by the magi to the infant Jesus?

 

 

20. What lesson does the story teach?