The Gift of the Magi

1. The Gift of the Magi By O. Henry Pages 334-5 and 348-55

2. 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

3. Ambiguity • There are several conflicting consequences or meanings and we have to sort them out

4. 3 facts about the author: O. Henry 1. 2. 3.

5. Quickwrite • If you could save just ONE item from a disaster – flood, fire, earthquake – what would it be? Why?

6. Background • What do the Magi refer to?

7. Vocabulary Development • instigates • agile • depreciate • cascade • ransacking • discreet • scrutiny • nimble • coveted • singed

8. 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.

9. Vocabulary Fill in the Blank 3. The __________ shopper used __________ steps to maneuver through the crowded aisles. 4. The thieves left after __________ the jewelry display.

10. 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?

11. 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

12. 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

13. Situational Irony • page 352- Della cuts her hair- How will Jim react?

14. Situational Irony • page 354 – With short hair, Della has no use for combs.

15. 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

16. Biblical Allusion • Magi • King Solomon • Queen of Sheba

17. 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???

18. 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.

19. Alliteration • “sudden serious sweetness”

20. 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

21. 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.”

22. 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

23. Summary • In your own words, summarize “The Gift of the Magi.” • Be sure to include the main ideas and details!

24. 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?