The Gift of the Magi By O Henry

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 l l l 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 l l 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 l l l 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 l l 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? ¡