1. How much money did Della have to buy a Christmas gift for Jim?
Answer:
Della had only $1.87, which she had saved by scrimping on daily expenses. She was deeply disappointed as she wanted to buy something special for Jim for Christmas.
2. What was Della’s most prized possession?
Answer:
Della’s most prized possession was her long, beautiful hair. It was so magnificent that even the Queen of Sheba would have been envious of its beauty.
3. What did Della do to get more money for Jim’s gift?
Answer:
Della sold her hair to Madame Sofronie for $20. She made this sacrifice because she wanted to buy a meaningful Christmas gift for Jim.
4. What gift did Della buy for Jim?
Answer:
Della bought a platinum fob chain for Jim’s watch. It was simple yet elegant, symbolizing Jim’s quiet strength and character.
5. What was Jim’s most prized possession?
Answer:
Jim’s most valued possession was a gold watch that had been passed down to him from his father and grandfather. It held great sentimental value for him.
6. Why did Della cry when she looked at the mirror after cutting her hair?
Answer:
Della cried because she feared that Jim might not find her as attractive without her long hair. However, she felt her sacrifice was necessary to buy him a worthy gift.
7. What did Jim buy for Della as a Christmas gift?
Answer:
Jim bought Della a set of beautiful tortoise-shell combs with jeweled rims that Della had long admired in a shop window.
8. Why was Della upset when she saw Jim’s gift?
Answer:
Della was upset because she had cut off and sold her hair, which made the beautiful combs Jim bought for her seemingly useless at that moment.
9. What was Jim’s reaction when he saw Della without her long hair?
Answer:
Jim was initially stunned but reassured Della that he loved her regardless of her hair. He expressed that her appearance didn’t matter as much as their love.
10. Why was Jim’s gift ironic?
Answer:
Jim’s gift was ironic because he had sold his prized watch to buy the combs for Della, while Della had sold her hair to buy a chain for Jim’s watch. Both gifts were rendered unusable by their sacrifices.
11. What does the story suggest about Jim and Della’s relationship?
Answer:
The story suggests that Jim and Della’s love is built on selflessness and sacrifice. Their willingness to give up their most cherished possessions for each other demonstrates the depth of their love.
12. What lesson does the story “The Gift of the Magi” convey?
Answer:
The story conveys that true love involves sacrifice and selflessness. Material possessions hold little value in comparison to the love and devotion between two people.
13. How does O. Henry describe the Youngs’ financial situation?
Answer:
The Youngs lived in a modest flat, with Jim earning only $20 a week. Their financial struggles are evident, but they are rich in love for each other.
14. Why does Della feel nervous as Jim approaches their home?
Answer:
Della is nervous because she fears Jim might not like her new appearance after cutting her hair. She prays silently that he will still find her beautiful.
15. How did Jim react to the platinum fob chain Della bought for him?
Answer:
Jim, although touched by the gift, revealed that he had sold his watch to buy the combs for Della. He smiled and suggested they put their gifts away for the time being.
16. Why are Jim and Della referred to as the “Magi”?
Answer:
Jim and Della are called the Magi because, like the wise men in the Bible who brought gifts to baby Jesus, they gave each other gifts of great love and sacrifice. Their wisdom lies in their selflessness.
17. What does Della’s decision to sell her hair reveal about her character?
Answer:
Della’s decision to sell her hair reveals her selflessness and deep love for Jim. She is willing to part with her most cherished possession to make him happy.
18. How does O. Henry’s writing style enhance the story’s theme?
Answer:
O. Henry uses wit, irony, and warm characterization to highlight the theme of love and sacrifice. His twist ending emphasizes the message that love is more valuable than material possessions.
19. What is the significance of the setting during Christmas?
Answer:
The Christmas setting symbolizes generosity, love, and giving. It underscores the message that the greatest gifts come from the heart, not from wealth or possessions.
20. How do Jim and Della’s actions demonstrate the essence of true love?
Answer:
Both Jim and Della sacrifice their most valuable possessions to buy gifts for each other. Their actions demonstrate that true love is not about receiving, but about giving selflessly to make the other person happy.
Leave a Reply