O. Henry - The Gift of the Magi Flashcards
long locks of a woman’s hair
tresses
careful examination
scrutiny
relating to
appertaining
to diminish in value
depreciate
a reference to any person, place, or thing (literary, historical, or actual)
allusion
a chain attached to a watch for carrying in a waistcoat or waistband pocket
fob
unwillingness to spend money
parsimony
wisdom; caution
prudence
sinking to a lower or normal level
subsiding
when something very unexpected or opposite of what was expected happens
situational irony
brings about or initiates
instigates
prevailing; having the strongest influence
predominating
How much money had Della saved?
$1.87
Why is Della saving this money?
to buy Jim a Christmas present
How easy was it to save the money?
very difficult
How do Jim and Della feel about each other?
They are very close. They love each other deeply.
What are the “two possessions of the James Dillingham Youngs in which they both took a mighty pride”?
gold watch; hair
What happens when Jim and Della give each other gifts?
They each sacrificed their one personal possession in order to buy a gift related to the other’s personal possession.
The end of the story presents an example of what?
situational irony
“Eight dollars a week or a million a year - what is the difference? A mathematician or a wit would give you the wrong answer. The magi brought valuable gifts, but that was not among them. This dark assertion will be illuminated later on.”
Money is not what is truly valuable.
How is Jim’s precious personal possession a reflection of his character?
quietness and value
How does the title embody the Central One Idea?
The magi gave wise gifts of the utmost value and honor. They gave generously from their heart out of love to increase the value of the other.
