The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry

1. The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry Feature Menu Introducing the Story Literary Skills Focus: Situational Irony Reading Skills Focus: Analyzing Details Writing Skills Focus: Think as a Reader/Writer

2. The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry What kinds of sacrifices would you make for a person who mattered to you?

3. The Gift of the Magi Introducing the Story Click on the title to start the video.

4. The Gift of the MagiIntroducing the Story They have each other, but Della and Jim don’t have much more than that. Still, it’s Christmas, and each wants the best for the other. How much will each one give to make sure that the other will have a very merry Christmas? [End of Section]

5. The Gift of the MagiLiterary Skills Focus: Situational Irony Situational irony occurs when our expectations are contradicted by reality. We believe that one thing will happen, but something entirely different occurs. Situational irony is essential to the meaning of “The Gift of the Magi.”

6. The Gift of the MagiLiterary Skills Focus: Situational Irony What is the situational irony in this passage? Dave was thrilled—he’d just won his first victory as a professional race car driver. He’d been amazing on the track, reaching incredible speeds and carefully avoiding the various wrecks that had taken other drivers out of the race. He couldn’t wait to tell his family about his triumph. He was reliving his masterful driving as he pulled into the driveway ─and hit the family car. What do you expect to happen when a professional driver parks a car? Does Dave’s situation match your expectations?

7. The Gift of the MagiLiterary Skills Focus: Situational Irony Situational irony occurs when your expectation is contradicted by Dave’s unfortunate reality. Expectation: Dave won a difficult race; he must be a skilled driver. Reality: Maybe he’s not so skilled─judging by the looks of the family car, anyway.

8. The Gift of the MagiLiterary Skills Focus: Situational Irony The story you’re about to read is one of literature’s most famous examples of situational irony. Now there were two possessions of the James Dillingham Youngs in which they both took a mighty pride. One was Jim’s gold watch that had been his father’s and his grandfather’s. The other was Della’s hair. As you read “The Gift of the Magi,” consider your expectations about what will occur. Compare those expectations to what happens. [End of Section]

9. The Gift of the MagiReading Skills Focus: Analyzing Details Writers use details to share information about characters, settings, and events. These details bring stories to life, often showing more than they tell. The little house sat on a patch of neatly clipped grass, punctuated by a lovingly tended rose bush. Its front walk, freshly swept and bordered by petunias, led to the crumbling sidewalk that separated the yard from the trash-strewn gutter. The little house sat on a patch of neatly clipped grass, punctuated by a lovingly tended rose bush. Its front walk, freshly swept and bordered by petunias, led to the crumbling sidewalk that separated the yard from the trash-strewn gutter. The little house sat on a patch of neatly clipped grass, punctuated by a lovingly tended rose bush. Its front walk, freshly swept and bordered by petunias, led to the crumbling sidewalk that separated the yard from the trash-strewn gutter. Details about setting show that the residents seem to take pride in their home. Other details indicate that the neighborhood may be neglected and run-down.

10. The Gift of the Magi Reading Skills Focus: Analyzing Details Into Action: Use a chart to record details, their locations in the story, and their significance. Into Action: Detail Chart Story Details Significance Sixty cents of Della’s $1.87 is in pennies. emphasizes how difficult it is for her to save money. Letters won’t “go” into their letter box. [End of Section]

11. The Gift of the Magi Writing Skills Focus: Think as a Reader/Writer Find It in Your Reading O. Henry’s third-person narrator makes his or her presence known in telling this story. She got out her curling irons and lighted the gas and went to work repairing the ravages made by generosity added to love. Which is always a tremendous task, dear friends—a mammoth task. As you read, note places where the narrator directly addresses the reader or offers commentary. [End of Section]

12. Vocabulary

13. The Gift of the MagiVocabulary agileadj.: moving with ease. prudencen.: caution; good judgment. scrutinyn.: close inspection. covetedv. used as adj.: longed for. ardentadj.: passionate; extremely enthusiastic.

14. The 90-year-old chess master was more agile than most opponents. The dancer had to be very agile, which required hours of practice. The Gift of the MagiVocabulary The word agile can be used to describe a person’s physical as well as mental abilities. Each personmoves with ease.

15. The Gift of the MagiVocabulary Which of these houses of cards appears to have been constructed by the more agile person?

16. The Gift of the MagiVocabulary The solid construction of the house on the right suggests that its builder was agile,demonstrating greatease of movement.

17. The Gift of the MagiVocabulary A person who shows prudence is careful and cautious. Which of these children shows more prudence?

18. The Gift of the MagiVocabulary The child on the left, with his many life jackets, shows more prudence. The boy on the right is less safety-conscious.

19. The Gift of the MagiVocabulary The FBI’s background checks involve high levels of scrutiny: Investigators take a very close look at each job candidate. Why might intense scrutiny of employees be needed in organizations that handle secret materials?

20. The Gift of the MagiVocabulary The politician felt that the reporter was unfair in her scrutiny of his background. Which word would be the best replacement for scrutiny? a. ignorance b. criticism c. examination

21. The Gift of the MagiVocabulary The politician felt that the reporter was unfair in her scrutiny of his background. Which word would be the best replacement for scrutiny? a. ignorance b. criticism c. examination

22. The Gift of the MagiVocabulary The word coveted describes something that is greatly desired but often not easily attained. Though his award-winning cookies were covetedby many people, he baked them only for a select few. Of all the gifts you’ve ever received, which was most coveted? Why?

23. The Gift of the MagiVocabulary Jessica owned what other students considered the world’s most coveted clothing. Which of the following most likely describes the contents of her closet? a. outdated clothes b. stylish clothes c. boring clothes

24. The Gift of the MagiVocabulary Jessica owned what other students considered the world’s most coveted clothing. Which of the following most likely describes the contents of her closet? a. outdated clothes b. stylish clothes c. boring clothes

25. The Gift of the MagiVocabulary Ardent comes from a word that originally meant to burn. Now, ardent is used in a figurative sense, describing a feeling of “burning” enthusiasm. What topics, beliefs, or activities seem to trigger ardent feelings among teens?

26. The Gift of the MagiVocabulary Andrea had ardent beliefs about freedom of speech and freedom of the press. How is she likely to react if her column in the school newspaper is censored? a. She’s likely to apologize. b. She’s likely to remain calm. c. She’s likely to protest angrily.

27. The Gift of the MagiVocabulary Andrea had ardent beliefs about freedom of speech and freedom of the press. How is she likely to react if her column in the school newspaper is censored? a. She’s likely to apologize. b. She’s likely to remain calm. c.She’s likely to protest angrily.

28. The End