The Gift of the Magi
By O. Henry
Pages 334-5 and 348-55
Irony
the difference between what we expect or what seems suitable and what really happens Verbal- say one thing; mean another Situational- event is controversy to
what is expected Dramatic- audience knows; characters
don’t
Ambiguity
There are several conflicting consequences or meanings and we have to sort them out
3 facts about the author: O. Henry
1. 2.3.
Quickwrite
If you could save just ONE item from a disaster – flood, fire, earthquake – what would it be? Why?
Background
What do the Magi refer to?
Vocabulary Development
instigates agile depreciate cascade ransacking discreet scrutiny nimble coveted singed
Vocabulary Fill in the Blank
1. One very upset shopper ________ a storewide search for her missing diamond earring.
2. The girl dreamed that the many birthday gifts she _______ would shower over her like a ________ of riches.
Vocabulary Fill in the Blank
3. The __________ shopper used __________ steps to maneuver through the crowded aisles.
4. The thieves left after __________ the jewelry display.
Vocabulary Fill in the Blank
5. The shoplifter tried to be _______ but did not escape the _______ of the security guards.
6. Will a ________ frame ________ the value of a painting?
Now, you are ready to read the story! While reading, look for the following:
• situational irony
• biblical allusions
• theme
• paradox
• alliteration
• the aspect of three
Situational Irony
page 350- name on card- “Mr. James Dillingham Young” – having his full name gives sense of stability and importance- the truth is that they are poor
Situational Irony
page 352- Della cuts her hair- How will Jim react?
Situational Irony
page 354 – With short hair, Della has no use for combs.
Situational Irony
page 354- Della and Jim both made a sacrifice of their most cherished possession to buy something for the other to use with their most cherished possession
Biblical Allusion
Magi King Solomon Queen of Sheba
Theme
The best gift of all is love. The love that inspires sacrifice and
generosity is the real gift of the wise.
ANY OTHER IDEAS???
Implied Paradox
Seems to be a contradiction but implies a truth
Della and Jim are both rich and poor. - explain
They are rich in love but poor in material possessions.
Alliteration
“sudden serious sweetness”
Three: A Magic Number
Three characters: Della, Jim, Madame Sofronie
Della counts her money three times. (paragraph 1)
“Life is made up of sobs, sniffles, and smiles.” (para 2)
Refers three times to what they are eating for supper - chops
Three: A Magic Number
Mentions the Queen of Sheba, who gave 3 gifts to King Solomon: spices, gold, jewels
“She stood by the window and looked out dully at a gray cat walking a gray fence in a gray backyard.” (para 6)
Jim says, “I don’t think there’s anything in the way of a haircut or a shave or a shampoo that could make me like my girl any less.”
Three: A Magic Number
The narrator describes Della as speaking with “sudden serious sweetness”
There were three magi. The magi offered three gifts Story centers around three
valuables: Jim’s watch, Della’s hair, the love they share
Summary
In your own words, summarize “The Gift of the Magi.”
Be sure to include the main ideas and details!
Modern Day Magi
Write your own modern day version of “The Gift of the Magi.”
BRAINSTORM FIRST! Characters can be friends, siblings,
etc. What would be their most prized
possessions? What are the gifts that are ironically
given?