Irony

the difference between what we expect or what seems suitable and what really happens Verbal- say one thing; mean another

Situational- event is controversy to what is expected

Dramatic- audience knows; characters don’t

Ambiguity

There are several conflicting consequences or meanings and we have to sort them out

3 facts about the author: O. Henry

1. 2.3.

Background

What do the Magi refer to?

Allusion: references a historical person or event The Magi were the so-called three wise

men from the east who traveled to Bethlehem, following a bright star, to present gifts to the infant Jesus.

The term magi (singular, magus) comes from the Greek word magoi, a rendering of a Persian word for members of a priestly caste.

The Gospel of Matthew (Chapter 2, Verse 11) says:  "And entering into the house, they found the child with Mary his  mother, and falling down they adored him: and opening their treasures, they offered him gifts–gold, frankincense, and myrrh."

Allusion to the Magi Continued These offerings, though valuable, were

not as important as the recognition, respect, and love they gave the Christ child.

Frankincense was used as a treatment for illness and as an fragrant additive to incense.

Myrrh was also added to incense, as well as perfume, and found additional use as an ointment.

The three wise men have been identified in western tradition as Balthasar, king of Arabia; Melchior, king of Persia; and Gaspar, king of India.  

Three: A Magic Number  In "The Gift of the Magi," the number three

figures prominently. Consider the following: 

The story has three characters: Della, Jim, and Madame Sophronie.

Della counts her money three times (Paragraph 1).

The narrator says that "Life is made up of sobs, sniffles, and smiles (Paragraph 2).

The story refers three times to the Youngs' supper entree: chops.

The story mentions the Queen of Sheba, who gave three types of gifts to King Solomon: spices, gold, and jewels.

Situational Irony

page 350- name on card- “Mr. James Dillingham Young” – having his full name gives sense of stability and importance- the truth is that they are poor

Situational Irony

page 352- Della cuts her hair- How will Jim react?

Situational Irony

page 354- Della and Jim both made a sacrifice of their most cherished possession to buy something for the other to use with their most cherished possession

Situational Irony

page 354 – With short hair, Della has no use for combs.

Theme

The best gift of all is love. The love that inspires sacrifice and generosity is the real gift of the wise.

ANY OTHER IDEAS???

Vocabulary Development

instigates agile depreciate cascade ransacking discreet scrutiny nimble coveted singed

Vocabulary Fill in the Blank

1. One very upset shopper ________ a storewide search for her missing diamond earring.

2. The girl dreamed that the many birthday gifts she _______ would shower over her like a ________ of riches.

Vocabulary Fill in the Blank

3. The __________ shopper used __________ steps to maneuver through the crowded aisles.

4. The thieves left after __________ the jewelry display.

Vocabulary Fill in the Blank

5. The shoplifter tried to be _______ but did not escape the _______ of the security guards.

6. Will a ________ frame ________ the value of a painting?

Now, you are ready to read the story! While reading, look for the following:

• situational irony

• biblical allusions

• theme

• paradox

• alliteration

• the aspect of three

Biblical Allusion

Magi King Solomon Queen of Sheba

Implied Paradox

Seems to be a contradiction but implies a truth

Della and Jim are both rich and poor. - explain

They are rich in love but poor in material possessions.

Alliteration

“sudden serious sweetness”

Three: A Magic Number

Three characters: Della, Jim, Madame Sofronie

Della counts her money three times. (paragraph 1)

“Life is made up of sobs, sniffles, and smiles.” (para 2)

Refers three times to what they are eating for supper - chops

Three: A Magic Number

Mentions the Queen of Sheba, who gave 3 gifts to King Solomon: spices, gold, jewels

“She stood by the window and looked out dully at a gray cat walking a gray fence in a gray backyard.” (para 6)

Jim says, “I don’t think there’s anything in the way of a haircut or a shave or a shampoo that could make me like my girl any less.”

Three: A Magic Number

The narrator describes Della as speaking with “sudden serious sweetness”

There were three magi. The magi offered three gifts Story centers around three

valuables: Jim’s watch, Della’s hair, the love they share

Summary

In your own words, summarize “The Gift of the Magi.”

Be sure to include the main ideas and details!

Modern Day Magi

Write your own modern day version of “The Gift of the Magi.”

BRAINSTORM FIRST! Characters can be friends, siblings, etc.

What would be their most prized possessions?

What are the gifts that are ironically given?