Della
Why did Della sell her hair?
To buy Jim a nice Christmas present
Why was Jim shocked when he walked into the door?
Della had cut her hair off
What time of the year did the story take place?
Christmas Eve
What did Della buy Jim?
A band for his watch
What literary term is the following statement?
"Had the queen of Sheba lived in the flat across the airshaft, Della would have let her hair hang out the window some day to dry just to depreciate Her Majesty’s jewels and gifts."
Imagery
Why did Della think Jim would be mad and not love her anymore?
She cut her hair off and she knew he loved her hair
Why was Jim acting weird when Della gave him her gift?
He sold his watch to get Della her gift.
What were their living conditions?
They were really poor
What did Jim get Della?
combs and hair clips
What literary term is the following statement?
"Della’s beautiful hair fell about her rippling and shining like a cascade of brown waters."
simile
How long was Della's hair before she cut it?
below knee length
What did Della say Jim needed when he walked into the house?
a new overcoat and gloves
Why couldn't the gifts they got for each other be used as their Christmas gifts?
At the end of the story, Jim has sold the watch to buy her Della combs and Della cut her hair off to buy Jim a band for his watch
Why did Della and Jim have to sell something that was valuable to them to get each other gifts?
They were too poor to buy nice gifts.
What is the metaphor in the story?
The metaphor is when the story compares a young couple’s selfless love to the generosity of the Biblical wise men. Maji, who gave gifts to Jesus.
How much money did Della have before selling her hair?
$1.87
What did Jim say to Della before he gave her his gift?
“Don’t make any mistake, Dell,” he said, “about me. 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. But if you’ll unwrap that package you may see why you had me going a while at White.”
What did Della cook before Jim got home?
Chops and coffee
Why couldn't Della nor Jim use each other's gifts?
They had sold the things the gifts were for.
What is the symbolism in the story?
The expensive gifts Della and Jim buy each other are symbolises their love for each other
How much did Della get for selling her hair?
$20
What was Jim's first and last name outside the house?
Mr. James Dillingham
What does Magi mean?
Magi is the three wise men that visited Jesus when he was born and gave him gifts.
What was on the combs and hair clips that Jim gave to Della?
tortoise shell with jewelled rims
What is the hyperbole in the story?
When the narrator describes Della’s and Jim’s evaluations of their two treasures. Della's long hair and Jim's gold watch.