“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 contrasts
3 types:
Dramatic: You know something that the
characters do not
Situational: Something unexpected
happens
Verbal: 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”