“The Gift of the Magi”

1. “The Gift of the Magi” O. Henry

2. Allusion • A reference in one work of literature to a historical event, person, or another work of literature, often used to deepen the meaning of the story. • According to Christian tradition, the Magi were three wise men or kings that presented gifts to the infant Jesus. • Sometimes thought of as the first Christmas presents. • Why is this an appropriate allusion for this story?

3. Suspense • Excitement or tension that readers feels as they become involved in a story. • Readers become eager to know the outcome of the plot

4. Foreshadowing (Review) • The author gives little clues about what is going to happen in the story. • Often, when you re-read a story, the foreshadowing is more apparent.

5. Irony (Review) • In general, irony is a form of contrasts • 3 types: • Dramatic: You know something that the characters do not • Situational: Something unexpected happens • Verbal: What is said is different than what is meant. • Ex: Outcome of the gifts

6. Figurative Language • Language that communicates ideas beyond the literal meaning of the words • Simile • Metaphor • Personification • Hyperbole

7. Hyperbole • Truth is exaggerated for a humorous effect • Queen of Sheba and King Soloman would be jealous of Della’s hair and Jim’s watch

8. Idiom • A figure of speech • “bulldozing” (p. 153) – to cheat someone

9. Personification • Giving human-like qualities to inanimate objects • P. 157 “her heart had simply craved and yearned over them”

10. Metaphor • Comparison between two unlike things that share similar qualities • Comparison between Jim/Della and the Magi

11. Simile • Comparison between two things using “like” or “as” • P. 154 – description of Della’s hair • “rippling and shining like a cascade of brown waters”