Questions about the short story The Gift of the Magi

1. Describe the situational irony in "The Gift of the Magi," and tell what
lesson about life and love you think it teaches Jim and Della.
2. What is the significance of the title of O. Henry's story "The Gift of the
Magi"?
3. What is the conclusion of "The Gift of the Magi"?
4. In "The Gift of the Magi," how did Jim and Della prove their love for
each other by their foolish acts?
5. Why does the writer call Della and Jim foolish and wise at the same
time in "The Gift of the Magi"?
6. How does "The Gift of the Magi" relate to today's society?

7. In "The Gift of the Magi," in what ways are Jim and Della foolish? In
what ways are they wise? How is it possible for them to be both foolish
and wise? O. Henry describes Jim and Della as “two foolish children” in
“The Gift of the Magi.” He also describes them as “the wisest of all.”
8. How does Jim react when he first sees Della after she has cut her hair in
O. Henry's short story "The Gift of the Magi"? And why?
9. Describe how the theme of sacrifice and love is developed in the text.
10.What does Della's action of cutting her hair to buy Jim a gift reveal
about her character and her relationship with Jim?

11. What three words would you use to describe Della and
Jim's relationship?

Vocabulary from Unit 3

Renewable energy, conservation project, deforestation, extinct vs.
endangered species, bring attention to, do research, take an action, to
be on the verge of, natural habitat, solar energy, fossil fuels, stream,
World Heritage Site, coral reefs