Your Points:

___/20 San Pasqual Academy

English 9 and 10 - Ms. Priester/Ms. Na’im
“The Gift of the Magi” Questions
Remember to use complete sentences that include part of the question in the answer. If your answer is using below
grade-level handwriting or missing capitalization and punctuation, you will automatically lose credit for that response.

Comprehension – Do you understand what you read?

1. What is Della’s biggest treasure? 2 points
2. What is Jim’s biggest treasure? 2 points
3. How does Della pay for Jim’s Christmas present? 2 points
4. How does Jim pay for Della’s Christmas present? 2 points
Interpretation – Can you analyze what you read? 2 points
5. An ironic situation is on that turns out to be just the opposite of what the readers—or the
characters in the story—expect. Describe the situational irony in the story.
6. What is the real “gift” referred to in the title? Hint: the gift is a noun, but it is not a person, place, or
thing—it is an idea. (Notice that O. Henry uses the word gift, not gifts.) 2 points
7. Think about what this story, written a century ago, has to say about our society (people and
culture) today. Consider advertising, the amount of money we spend on gifts, and the value
placed on having many possessions. Do you think some people today equate love with money?
Explain your answer using at least twenty words. Remember to avoid using the words “I think,”
because they make you sound weak—just state your thoughts. 4 points
Evaluation – What are your thoughts? 4 points
8. What is your reaction to O. Henry’s surprise ending? Do you enjoy endings like this or does it feel
like the author tricks you? Do not use “I think”. Use at least twenty words in your response.

San Pasqual Academy

Your Points: English 9 and 10 - Ms. Priester/Ms. Na’im
___/20 “The Gift of the Magi” Questions

Remember to use complete sentences that include part of the question in the answer. If your answer is using below
grade-level handwriting or missing capitalization and punctuation, you will automatically lose credit for that response.

Comprehension – Do you understand what you read?

1. What is Della’s biggest treasure? 2 points
2. What is Jim’s biggest treasure? 2 points
3. How does Della pay for Jim’s Christmas present? 2 points
4. How does Jim pay for Della’s Christmas present? 2 points
Interpretation – Can you analyze what you read? 2 points
5. An ironic situation is on that turns out to be just the opposite of what the readers—or the
characters in the story—expect. Describe the situational irony in the story.
6. What is the real “gift” referred to in the title? Hint: the gift is a noun, but it is not a person,
place, or thing—it is an idea. (Notice that O. Henry uses the word gift, not gifts.) 2 points
7. Think about what this story, written a century ago, has to say about our society (people and
culture) today. Consider advertising, the amount of money we spend on gifts, and the value
placed on having many possessions. Do you think some people today equate love with
money? Explain your answer using at least twenty words. Remember to avoid using the
words “I think,” because they make you sound weak—just state your thoughts. 4 points

N.Priester Page 1 of 2 11/24/2009

Evaluation – What are your thoughts? 4 points
8. What is your reaction to O. Henry’s surprise ending? Do you enjoy endings like this or does it
feel like the author tricks you? Do not use “I think”. Use at least twenty words in your
response.

N.Priester Page 2 of 2 11/24/2009