Recall

1. What is Della doing at the beginning of the story why?

Della is trying to find money because she wants to give Jim a Christmas
present. Della was also combing her hair.

2. Which possessions do Della and Jim value most?

Jim’s watch and della’s hair our their most valuable possessions.

3. What is Jim’s initial reaction to Della when he arrives home?

He was shocked when he saw that Della had cut her hair.

4. What gifts do the couples give each other?

Jim gave Della a tortoise shell, with jeweled rims comb. Della gives Jim a
very nice chain.

5. According to the narrator who were the Magi?

Jim and Della were the Magi because they were wise.

Interpret

6. Why is the setting an important aspect for this story?

The setting is important because it tells details that make it easier to

picture. Because the story is about gift giving, it being the day before
Christmas makes perfect sense.

7. What do Della’s and Jim’s sacrifice tells you about their

relationship?

They love each other so much they are willing to give up something
precious to them to make each other happy.
8. Della compares the watch chain to Jim – does the description
apply to Jim when he enters the flat? Why?

Jim appears similar to his description quietness and value.

9. What is both wonderful and terrible about each gift?

Wonderful – because gift of the heart

Terrible – neither person can use their gift

10. Why might the narrator refer to Della and Jim as the Magi?

Their great sacrifice for each other is what made them wise like the
Magi.

Evaluate and Connect

11. What does this story say to you about giving gifts?

It is the thought that counts more than the actual gift.

12. How do you feel about the ending of the story?

13. If you could give Della and Jim some advice, what might you tell
them?

Talk to one another first, but great job giving the gifts that really matter.

14. Is this message still valuable?

The thought matters and people still need to hear this.

15. What makes this story memorable?

The sacrifice and love for each other.

Recall

1. What is Della doing at the beginning of the story why?

Della is crying because she does not have enough money to buy Jim a
Christmas present.

2. Which possessions do Della and Jim value most?

Jim’s gold watch and Della’s hair are their most valuable possessions.

3. What is Jim’s initial reaction to Della when he arrives home?

Jim is shocked because she cut her hair.

4. What gifts do the couples give each other?

Jim gave Della a pure tortoise shell, with jeweled rims comb.
Della gives Jim a watch chain made of platinum fob.

5. According to the narrator who were the Magi?

Jim and Della are the Magi.

6. Why is the setting an important aspect for this story?

The day before Christmas is an essential part of the story because the
story is about gift giving.

7. What do Della’s and Jim’s sacrifice tells you about their

relationship?

The sacrifice they are willing to make for each other shows how much
they love each other.

8. Della compares the watch chain to Jim – does the description

apply to Jim when he enters the flat? Why?

Jim enters the room with the same quiet humbleness like the watch.

9. What is both wonderful and terrible about each gift?

Wonderful – important and special to them
Terrible – they cannot use their gift

10. Why might the narrator refer to Della and Jim as the Magi?

They are wise because of the sacrifice they are willing to make for their
loved ones.

11. What does this story say to you about giving gifts?

It is the thought that counts.

12. How do you feel about the ending of the story?

I liked the surprised ending

13. If you could give Della and Jim some advice, what might you tell
them?
To communicate about gift giving more! Don’t just cut off your hair until
you talk to your husband.

14. Is this message still valuable?

Yes because it is a nice reminder that what is really important is the

though.

15. What makes this story memorable?

The Twist ending

Parsimony

Prudence

Ravage

Depreciate