Question

Literary Text Summary: “The Gift of the Magi,” O. Henry
The following paragraph briefly summarizes "The Gift of the Magi," a short story by O. Henry. Read the passage, and then answer the question(s).

In the story “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry, the character Della sells her beautiful, long hair to a wigmaker in order to buy a watch chain for Jim, her husband, as a Christmas gift. At the same time, unbeknownst to Della, Jim sells his watch, which he greatly treasures, to buy Della beautiful hair combs. Near the end of the story, the two exchange their gifts, and they are each moved by the sacrifice the other has made.

The following question has two parts. Answer Part A first, and then Part B.

Part A
Which theme do the actions of Della and Jim suggest most clearly?
A. Being wealthy makes life easier.
B. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
C. Love is the greatest gift.
D. Time heals all wounds.
Part B
Click on the phrase from the summary that best supports the answer to Part A.
In the story "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry, the character Della sells her beautiful, long hair to a wigmaker in order to buy a watch chain for Jim, her husband, as a Christmas gift. At the same time, unbeknownst to Della, Jim sells his watch, which he greatly treasures, to buy Della beautiful hair combs. Near the end of the story, the two exchange their gifts, and they are each moved by the sacrifice the other has made.

Answer 1

Part A: C. Love is the greatest gift.

Part B: "they are each moved by the sacrifice the other has made."