The Gift of the Magi - Comprehension Worksheet

1. What is the total amount of money Della has saved by the time Christmas is near?

$1.87
$2.50
$5.00
$10.00

2. Why does Della decide to sell her hair?

She wants to buy a gift for Jim, but has very little money. (Textual Evidence: "Tomorrow would be Christmas Day, and she had only $1.87 with which to buy Jim a gift.")
She wants to get a new coat. (Textual Evidence: "She stood by the window and looked out with no interest. Tomorrow would be Christmas Day...")
She needed money to buy food for the holidays.

3. What is the significance of Jim’s gold watch in the story?

It symbolizes Jim’s connection to his family’s history. (Textual Evidence: "It had once belonged to his father. And, long ago, it had belonged to his father’s father.")
It shows that Jim is wealthy. (Textual Evidence: "He sometimes took it out and looked at it only when no one could see him do it.")
It represents Jim’s love for Della.

4. What is the gift Della buys for Jim, and why is it perfect for him?

5. Why is the gold watch chain described as “simple” but “valuable”?

It is made of gold, which makes it valuable even though it looks plain. (Textual Evidence: "It was a gold watch chain, very simply made. Its value was in its rich and pure material.")
It has diamonds embedded in it.
It is a family heirloom.

6. How does Della feel when Jim first sees her with short hair?

Happy
Scared
Confused
Angry

7. What does Jim buy for Della, and how is it connected to her sacrifice?

8. What does Jim’s reaction reveal about his love for Della?

He is disappointed because Della no longer has her beautiful hair. (Textual Evidence: "Jim stopped inside the door...His eyes looked strangely at Della.")
He is confused, but still deeply loves her. (Textual Evidence: "He simply looked at her with that strange expression on his face.")
He is angry because she sold her hair.

9. How does the story convey the theme of sacrifice and love?

10. How does the ending of the story emphasize the idea of “wisdom” in giving?