1. Aim: How is irony employed in the short story, “The Gift of the Magi”? Do Now: What is the difference between a literary element and a literary technique?

2. Review: Answer in complete sentences on a separate sheet of looseleaf. What is the plot of “Cemetery Path”? How is Ivan characterized? Who is the antagonist of the story? Describe the setting of the story? Which conflicts does Ivan face? What is one theme presented in the story? How is the ending of “Cemetery Path” ironic? How is foreshadow used in the story?

3. Characterization How would you characterize Jim and Della?

4. Understanding the Magi Magi – allusion or reference to the 3 wise men who brought gifts to the baby Jesus “But in a last word to the wise of these days let it be said that of all who give gifts these two were the wisest. Of all who give and receive gifts, such as they are wisest.” ◦ Why does the narrator compare Jim and Della to the magi? Why are these two (Jim and Della) the wisest?

5. Themes Can you come up with 2 themes that are expressed through the short story, “The Gift of the Magi”?

6. Explaining Irony Irony is the opposite of what is intended. In order to explain irony, you must first make clear what was intended. ◦ What did Della and Jim intend? Next, you must explain how the opposite of what was intended occurred. ◦ How did Jim and Della gifts turn out to be the opposite of what they both intended?