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?