PRESENTATION OUTLINE
The Gift of the Magi
Critical Thinking p. 266
1. Respond: If you were Jim or Della, how would you feel about the gift you received? Explain your response.
2. (a) What does Della do to get money for Jim’s present?
(b) What does her action suggest about her character?
3. (a) How does Jim react when he first sees that Della has cut her hair?
(b) Analyze: Why does Della misunderstand Jim’s reaction?
4. O. Henry says of these “two foolish children” that they were “the wisest.” How do you think he would define wisdom? Explain your response.
Is conflict necessary?
(a) What internal conflict occurs for both Jim and Della?
(b) Do you think that this is a necessary conflict? Explain.
