“The Gift of the Magi”

O. Henry

Allusion

A reference in one work of literature to a historical event, person, or another work of literature, often used to deepen the meaning of the story.

According to Christian tradition, the Magi were three wise men or kings that presented gifts to the infant Jesus.

Sometimes thought of as the first Christmas presents.Why is this an appropriate allusion for this story?

Suspense

Excitement or tension that readers feels as they become involved in a story.

Readers become eager to know the outcome of the plot

Foreshadowing (Review)

The author gives little clues about what is going to happen in the story.

Often, when you re-read a story, the foreshadowing is more apparent.

Irony (Review)

In general, irony is a form of contrasts3 types:

Dramatic: You know something that the characters do notSituational: Something unexpected happensVerbal: What is said is different than what is meant.

Ex: Outcome of the gifts

Figurative Language

Language that communicates ideas beyond the literal meaning of the words

Simile

Metaphor

Personification

Hyperbole

Hyperbole

Truth is exaggerated for a humorous effect

Queen of Sheba and King Soloman would be jealous of Della’s hair and Jim’s watch

Idiom

A figure of speech

“bulldozing” (p. 153) – to cheat someone

Personification

Giving human-like qualities to inanimate objects

P. 157 “her heart had simply craved and yearned over them”

Metaphor

Comparison between two unlike things that share similar qualities

Comparison between Jim/Della and the Magi

Simile

Comparison between two things using “like” or “as”

P. 154 – description of Della’s hair

“rippling and shining like a cascade of brown waters”