1. 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

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

3. 3 facts about the author: O. Henry 1. 2. 3.

4. Background  What do the Magi refer to?

5. Allusion: references a historical person or event  The Magi were the so-called three wise men from the east who traveled to Bethlehem, following a bright star, to present gifts to the infant Jesus.  The term magi (singular, magus) comes from the Greek word magoi, a rendering of a Persian word for members of a priestly caste.  The Gospel of Matthew (Chapter 2, Verse 11) says: "And entering into the house, they found the child with Mary his mother, and falling down they adored him: and opening their treasures, they offered him gifts– gold, frankincense, and myrrh."

6. Allusion to the Magi Continued  These offerings, though valuable, were not as important as the recognition, respect, and love they gave the Christ child.  Frankincense was used as a treatment for illness and as an fragrant additive to incense.  Myrrh was also added to incense, as well as perfume, and found additional use as an ointment.  The three wise men have been identified in western tradition as Balthasar, king of Arabia; Melchior, king of Persia; and Gaspar, king of India.

7. Three: A Magic Number  In "The Gift of the Magi," the number three figures prominently. Consider the following:  The story has three characters: Della, Jim, and Madame Sophronie.  Della counts her money three times (Paragraph 1).  The narrator says that "Life is made up of sobs, sniffles, and smiles (Paragraph 2).  The story refers three times to the Youngs' supper entree: chops.  The story mentions the Queen of Sheba, who gave three types of gifts to King Solomon: spices, gold, and jewels.

8. 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

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

10. 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

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

12. 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???

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

14. 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.

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

16. 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?

17. 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

18. Biblical Allusion  Magi  King Solomon  Queen of Sheba

19. 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.

20. Alliteration  “sudden serious sweetness”

21. 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

22. 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.”

23. 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

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

25. 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?