World Literature I

 What was O. Henry’s purpose in writing “The Gift of the Magi”?  What question might a reader ask about this passage: “His eyes were fixed upon Della, and there was an expression in them that she could not read, and it terrified her”?  When O. Henry wrote that “life is made up of sobs, sniffles, and smiles, with sniffles predominating,” he was saying what about life?  Jim’s reaction to Della’s gift reveals that he is what?  What is Della’s initial dilemma in the story?

 What does this passage say about their flat? “It did not exactly beggar description, but it certainly had that word on the lookout for the mendicancy squad.”  Why does Jim have a peculiar expression on his face when he sees Della’s haircut?  What event in the story intensifies the action?  How do Jim and Della feel about each other?  How is the story’s conflict resolved?

 Why did O. Henry consider Jim and Della wise?  What is the reason for Madame Loisel’s suffering at the beginning of “The Necklace”?  What conclusion can you draw about her based on the life she craves?  Madame Loisel admires a society that values what?  She treats her husband with what?

 What can you conclude about Madame Loisel’s husband based on his treatment of her?  Why is she “filled with terrible anguish” when she asks to borrow the necklace?  Madame Loisel’s friendship with Madame Forestier can be characterized by what?  The theme of “The Necklace” concerns the danger of what?