The Gift of the Magi by O Henry

“The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry Page 349 2007 COS – 13 CCRS -AHSGE – R. IV. 2 Literary Skills – Understand situational irony and the surprise ending Alabama Reading Initiative – Vocabulary development; reading comprehension Reading Skills – Make predictions

The Gift of the Magi Literary Focus: Situational Irony Has a story ever surprised you? Have characters ever done something you didn’t expect? Has a plot ever taken a surprising twist or turn? If so, you’ve experienced situational irony. • Situational irony occurs when what happens is different from what we expect. • This type of irony reminds us that life is full of surprise and uncertainty.

The Gift of the Magi Literary Focus: Situational Irony “The Gift of the Magi” contains a classic example of a particular type of situational irony: the surprise ending. Whether you find the ending of “The Gift of the Magi” to be happy, sad, or bittersweet, you will probably find it satisfying.

The Gift of the Magi Reading Skills: Making Predictions We read because we are curious. A writer sets up an intriguing situation, and we read on because we want to know what happens. As we read, we make guesses, or predictions, about what will happen. our understanding of how stories work Predictions clues in the text our own experience of life

The Gift of the Magi Vocabulary Previewing the Vocabulary instigates v. : urges on to some action, usually negative, or sets something in motion; here, gives rise to. agile adj. : moving with ease. depreciate v. : make something seem less important; lower the value of. cascade n. : waterfall. ransacking v. : searching thoroughly.

The Gift of the Magi Vocabulary Previewing the Vocabulary discreet adj. : showing good judgment in what one says or does; especially being silent or careful. scrutiny n. : close inspection. nimble adj. : quickly moving. coveted v. used as adj. : longed-for. singed v. used as adj. : slightly burned.

The Gift of the Magi Vocabulary Activity Fill in the blanks with the correct Word Bank words. discreet depreciate ransacking singed scrutiny ransacking the jewelry display. 1. The thieves left after ______ discreet 2. The shoplifter tried to be ______ but did not escape scrutiny the ______ of the security guards. singed depreciate the value of a 3. Will a ______ frame ______ painting?

The Gift of the Magi Quickwrite Make the Connection If you could save just one item from a disaster—a fire, a flood, an earthquake—what would it be? (all your family and pets are safe) In a few sentences, describe your most cherished possession, and explain why you treasure it. Was it a gift? If so, how does that make it especially important to you?

The Gift of the Magi Background The Magi referred to in the title of this story are three “wise men” who, according to the Bible (Matthew 2: 1– 13), brought gifts of frankincense and myrrh (substances prized for their fragrance) as well as gold to the infant Jesus. Traditionally the Magi’s gifts are regarded as the first Christmas presents.

While Reading 1. At the beginning of the story, what is Della’s problem? 2. How does she attempt to solve her problem? 3. What gift does Della buy Jim? 4. What gift does Jim buy Della? 5. Explain the irony of the story. 6. What is the real “gift” referred to in the title? (Notice O. Henry uses the word gift, not gifts. )

Activities • What do you think this story, written a century ago, has to say about our consumer society today? Do you think some people equate love with money? Consider advertising, the amount of money we spend on gifts, and the value placed on having many possessions. In a paragraph of at least ½ page, explain your thoughts on these questions. • P. 357 Life Goes on (1/2 page) • Complete crossword puzzle