1. The Gift of the Magi
By O. Henry
Pages and

2. Irony
the difference between what we expect or what seems suitable and what really happens
Verbal- say one thing; mean another
Situational- event is controversy to what is expected
Dramatic- audience knows; characters don’t

3. Ambiguity
There are several conflicting consequences or meanings and we have to sort them out

4. 3 facts about the author: O. Henry1. 2. 3.

5. Quickwrite
If you could save just ONE item from a disaster – flood, fire, earthquake – what would it be? Why?

6. Background
What do the Magi refer to?

7. Vocabulary Development
instigates
agile
depreciate
cascade
ransacking
discreet
scrutiny
nimble
coveted
singed

8. 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.

9. Vocabulary Fill in the Blank
3. The __________ shopper used __________ steps to maneuver through the crowded aisles.
4. The thieves left after __________ the jewelry display.

10. 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?

11. Now, you are ready to read the story
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

12. 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

13. Situational Irony
page 352- Della cuts her hair- How will Jim react?

14. Situational Irony
page 354 – With short hair, Della has no use for combs.

15. 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

16. Biblical Allusion
Magi
King Solomon
Queen of Sheba

17. 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???

18. 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.

19. Alliteration
“sudden serious sweetness”

20. Three: A Magic Number 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

21. Three: A Magic Number
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.”

22. Three: A Magic Number
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

23. Summary In your own words, summarize “The Gift of the Magi.”
Be sure to include the main ideas and details!

24. 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?