1. “The Gift of the Magi”
O. Henry

2. Allusion
A reference in one work of literature to a historical event, person, or another work of literature, often used to deepen the meaning of the story.
According to Christian tradition, the Magi were three wise men or kings that presented gifts to the infant Jesus.
Sometimes thought of as the first Christmas presents.
Why is this an appropriate allusion for this story?

3. Suspense
Excitement or tension that readers feels as they become involved in a story.
Readers become eager to know the outcome of the plot

4. Foreshadowing (Review)
The author gives little clues about what is going to happen in the story.
Often, when you re-read a story, the foreshadowing is more apparent.

5. Irony (Review) In general, irony is a form of contrasts 3 types:
Dramatic: You know something that the characters do not
Situational: Something unexpected happens
Verbal: What is said is different than what is meant.
Ex: Outcome of the gifts

6. Figurative Language
Language that communicates ideas beyond the literal meaning of the words
Simile
Metaphor
Personification
Hyperbole

7. Hyperbole Truth is exaggerated for a humorous effect
Queen of Sheba and King Soloman would be jealous of Della’s hair and Jim’s watch

8. Idiom
A figure of speech
“bulldozing” (p. 153) – to cheat someone

9. Personification Giving human-like qualities to inanimate objects
P. 157 “her heart had simply craved and yearned over them”

10. Metaphor
Comparison between two unlike things that share similar qualities
Comparison between Jim/Della and the Magi

11. Simile Comparison between two things using “like” or “as”
P. 154 – description of Della’s hair
“rippling and shining like a cascade of brown waters”