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The True Value of a Gift: A tale from “The Gift of the Magi”
Once upon a time in New York City, lived a young couple, Jim and Della. Despite their financial hardship, they were rich in love. With Christmas on the horizon, each wished to buy the other a special gift. Della decided to sell her beautiful long hair to buy a platinum fob chain for Jim's prized watch, while Jim sold his watch to buy combs for Della's hair. On Christmas Eve, they exchanged gifts, and to their surprise, they found that their gifts were now useless but their love for each other had grown even more. This unexpected twist, often found in O. Henry's stories, highlights the irony of their sacrifices. The story of "The Gift of the Magi" is a timeless reminder that the true value of a gift lies not in its price, but in the love and thoughtfulness behind it.
Question 1
What did Della sell to buy a gift for Jim?
Her beautiful long hair
Explanation. Della sold her beautiful long hair to buy a platinum fob chain for Jim's prized watch.
Her prized necklace
Her favorite dress
Her shoes
Her hat
Question 2
What is the main theme of 'The Gift of the Magi'?
The value of a gift lies in its price
The true value of a gift lies in the love and thoughtfulness behind it
Explanation. The story of 'The Gift of the Magi' is a timeless reminder that the true value of a gift lies not in its price, but in the love and thoughtfulness behind it.
It's better to give than to receive
Money can buy happiness
Christmas gifts should be expensive
Question 3
What is a characteristic of O. Henry's stories as mentioned in the text?
They often have unexpected twists
Explanation. According to the text, an unexpected twist, often found in O. Henry's stories, highlights the irony of their sacrifices.
They always end in tragedy
They are always set in New York City
They always involve characters named Jim and Della
They always occur during Christmas
Question 4
What was the irony in the story?
Jim and Della were actually wealthy
Jim and Della didn't celebrate Christmas
Jim bought combs for Della's hair but she had sold it
Della bought a chain for Jim's watch but he had sold it
Both 'c' and 'd'
Explanation. The irony in the story is that Della sold her hair to buy a chain for Jim's watch, and Jim sold his watch to buy combs for Della's hair. As a result, the gifts they bought for each other became useless.
Question 5
What gift did Jim buy for Della?
A platinum fob chain for his watch
Combs for her hair
Explanation. Jim sold his watch to buy combs for Della's hair.
A new dress
A necklace
A pair of shoes
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