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.

Which of the following options best describes how the author could create a frame story for “The Gift of the Magi”?
A. The author could tell some events from Jim's perspective and some from Della's.
B. The author could tell Jim and Della's story through letters the two exchange with one another.
C. The author could tell another story in which a character narrates Jim and Della's story.
D. The author could tell a story about something that happened to Jim and Della in the past.

Answer 1

C. The author could tell another story in which a character narrates Jim and Della's story.

Explanation: A frame story (frame narrative) surrounds the main tale with an outer story—often a character in the outer story recounts the inner story. Options A, B, and D describe other narrative techniques (shifting perspectives, epistolary format, or flashback/backstory), not a frame narrative.