The Gift of the Magi Quiz
Questions: 16 · 10 minutes
1. The narrator imagines the Queen of Sheba seeing Della’s hair. What does this comparison emphasize?
Della believes her hair gives her political authority
Della hopes to sell her hair directly to royalty
Della’s appearance depends on expensive clothing
Della’s hair is a treasure that could inspire royal envy
2. At the beginning of the story, how much money has Della saved for Jim’s Christmas present?
$8.00
$1.87
$20.00
$21.00
3. What gift does Jim buy for Della?
A jeweled hairpin
A silver hand mirror
A set of ornamental combs
A new winter hat
4. Jim enters, sees Della’s short hair, and reacts with a strange, fixed expression. What best explains his reaction once the full plot is known?
He realizes the combs he bought cannot be used as intended for now
He believes Della has replaced her hair with an expensive wig
He is angry that Della opened his present before dinner
He suspects Della sold her hair to replace his watch
5. How much does Madame Sofronie pay Della for her hair?
$1.87
$8.00
$21.00
$20.00
6. Why does Della consider the simple platinum chain especially suitable for Jim’s watch?
Its elaborate design matches the watch’s jeweled cover
Its understated value seems worthy of Jim without relying on decoration
It can disguise the watch’s age and family history
It is inexpensive enough to leave money for another present
7. Which situation creates the story’s central irony?
Each character accidentally buys the same type of present
Each sells a prized possession needed to use the other’s gift
The couple receives valuable gifts from an unknown visitor
Both hide enough money to buy gifts without making a sacrifice
8. Why does the narrator imagine King Solomon reacting to Jim’s watch?
To suggest that Jim plans to trade the watch for royal treasure
To show that Jim’s watch has a documented connection to ancient history
To emphasize that Jim’s inherited watch is a source of exceptional pride
To imply that Jim values public admiration more than Della
9. Which description best captures the narrator’s overall tone toward Jim and Della?
Detached and purely factual about their financial choices
Affectionately humorous while ultimately honoring their devotion
Suspicious of whether either character truly made a sacrifice
Harshly mocking because their gifts become impractical
10. What role does Madame Sofronie play in Della’s plan?
She buys Della’s hair at her hair-goods shop
She lends Della enough money to buy the chain
She sells Della the combs at a reduced price
She styles Della’s hair before Jim returns
11. What Christmas present does Della buy for Jim?
A leather watch case
A new overcoat
A pair of warm gloves
A platinum fob chain
12. Details such as the modest furnished flat, worn household features, and careful saving mainly establish what context?
Della has misplaced most of the household’s Christmas budget
The couple is saving to move into a fashionable neighborhood
Jim refuses to spend money despite having a large income
The couple has limited means, making each sacrifice significant
13. In the title and final paragraph, what do the Magi primarily represent?
Wise gift-givers whose example highlights loving generosity
Merchants who profit from the Christmas season
Rulers whose possessions prove their greatness
Travelers who judge gifts by their financial value
14. Why does the narrator ultimately call Jim and Della the wisest gift-givers?
They select gifts that immediately improve each other’s possessions
They understand how to purchase luxury goods at low prices
Their willingness to sacrifice for each other matters more than the gifts’ immediate usefulness
They learn that exchanging presents should be avoided when money is scarce
15. Della reassures Jim that her hair grows quickly. How does this detail shape the meaning of her sacrifice?
It shows that she never valued her hair in the first place
It proves that the combs will be useful again before Christmas ends
It frames the practical loss as temporary while preserving the sincerity of her gift
It suggests that Madame Sofronie has promised to return the hair
16. After cutting her hair, Della worries that Jim may no longer find her attractive. What does this most directly reveal?
Her sacrifice does not erase her vulnerability or desire for Jim’s acceptance
She regrets buying a present connected to Jim’s family
She expects Jim to value appearances more than their marriage
She plans to return the chain if Jim dislikes her haircut