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Feature
The Gift of the Magi
by O'Henry
Jim was never late. Della doubled the fob chain in her hand and sat on the corner of the table near the door that he always entered. Then she heard his step on the stair away down on the first flight, and she turned white for just a moment. She had a habit for saying little silent prayers about the simplest everyday things, and now she whispered: “Please God, make him think I am still pretty.”
The door opened and Jim stepped in and closed it. He looked thin and very serious. Poor fellow, he was only twenty-two—and to be burdened with a family! He needed a new overcoat and he was without gloves.
Jim stopped inside the door, as immovable as a setter at the scent of quail. His eyes were fixed upon Della, and there was an expression in them that she could not read, and it terrified her. It was not anger, nor surprise, nor disapproval, nor horror, nor any of the sentiments that she had been prepared for. He simply stared at her fixedly with that peculiar expression on his face.
Della wriggled off the table and went for him.
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Question
Use the passage to answer the question.
Which statement explains how the development of the plot helps guide readers to understand what motivates the characters?
(1 point)
Responses
Jim’s willingness to sell his watch shows that he does not hold physical objects in high regard.
Jim’s willingness to sell his watch shows that he does not hold physical objects in high regard.
Della and Jim’s decision to sell things that mean a lot to them shows how strong their love for each other is.
Della and Jim’s decision to sell things that mean a lot to them shows how strong their love for each other is.
Della’s decision to cut and sell her hair reveals that she is only willing to sell replaceable things for Jim.
Della’s decision to cut and sell her hair reveals that she is only willing to sell replaceable things for Jim.
Della and Jim’s purchase of gifts they can no longer use conveys their dislike for each other.
1 answer
The most accurate statement that explains how the development of the plot helps guide readers to understand what motivates the characters is:
Della and Jim’s decision to sell things that mean a lot to them shows how strong their love for each other is.
This reflects the central theme of sacrifice and highlights the depth of their feelings for one another, which drives the plot forward and reveals their motivations.
