Characters
Who is the struggling artist in The Last Leaf?
Sue
In The Last Leaf, what illness does Johnsy suffer from?
Pneumonia.
What theme is shared by all three stories?
Sacrifice
In The Gift of the Magi, what does “parsimonious” mean?
Frugal
What is O. Henry best known for in his short stories?
His surprise endings.
What is the name of the man who reforms his life in A Retrieved Reformation?
Jimmy Valentine
What ironic twist occurs at the end of The Gift of the Magi?
Both Della and Jim sacrifice their prized possessions for gifts that complement what the other gave up.
How does The Last Leaf illustrate the theme of hope?
The painted leaf symbolizes resilience and inspires Johnsy to live.
In A Retrieved Reformation, what does “reformation” mean?
The process of changing for the better
Which city is the primary setting for many of O. Henry’s stories?
New York City.
In The Gift of the Magi, what does Della sell to buy a gift for Jim?
Her hair
What job does Jimmy Valentine take up after deciding to reform in A Retrieved Reformation?
A shoe salesman or a shoemaker
In A Retrieved Reformation, what theme does Jimmy’s transformation represent?
Redemption and second chances.
In The Last Leaf, what is the meaning of “masterpiece” as used to describe Behrman’s final work?
A work of outstanding skill or artistry.
How does O. Henry create emotional impact in his stories?
Through relatable characters and ironic twists.
In A Retrieved Reformation, who is the detective tracking Jimmy Valentine?
Ben Price
In The Last Leaf, what does Johnsy believe will happen when the last leaf falls?
She will die
What does The Gift of the Magi say about material wealth versus love?
Love is more valuable than material possessions.
Define “irony,” a literary device O. Henry is famous for.
The expression of meaning using language or situations that signify the opposite of what is expected.
What narrative point of view does O. Henry often use in his stories?
Third-person omniscient.
Who paints the final leaf in The Last Leaf?
Behrman. (The old man neighbor)
How does Jimmy prove his reformation at the end of A Retrieved Reformation?
He uses his safe-cracking tools to save a child locked in a vault
How does O. Henry use irony to support themes in his stories?
He uses unexpected twists to highlight the deeper value of love, sacrifice, and personal growth.
In A Retrieved Reformation, what does the term “retrieved” imply?
Reclaimed or brought back.
What recurring theme in O. Henry’s stories connects his characters’ sacrifices?
The idea that love and kindness transcend material possessions.