Think about the ending of “The Gift of the Magi.” What do the protagonists value the most? What does this ending say about the value of objects? You may remember that situational irony is when events do not go as expected. You may have expected, as Della did, that Jim would be delighted with his watch chain. And Jim clearly thought Della would be thrilled with her new hair combs. However, in their sacrifice of their most precious possessions, they demonstrated the high value each held in the other's heart.

O. Henry ends with, "They are the Magi." What does this allusion mean? In his story, O. Henry repeatedly uses biblical allusions (the Queen of Sheba, King Solomon, the hairs of the head being numbered, and the Magi). If the Magi were wise men or kings, as some traditions tell, how does this characterize their gifts? Through his allusion, O. Henry likens Jim and Della's gifts to priceless objects chosen by the wise to give to a king. Indeed, by saying, "They are the Magi," he imbues Jim and Della with the wisdom of legendary sages.

In your journal, write about a gift that you have given or received that holds high value for you. Why was the gift so valuable?

Which sentence from the article best supports the statement above

Which sentence in this excerpt from leo tolstoy’s the death of ivan ilyich shows the human tendency to contemplate one’s past life? "but if that is so," he said to himself, "and i am leaving this life with the consciousness that i have lost all that was given me and it is impossible to rectify it—what then? " he lay on his back and began to pass his life in review in quite a new way. in the morning when he saw first his footman, then his wife, then his daughter, and then the doctor, their every word and movement confirmed to him the awful truth that had been revealed to him during the night. in them he saw himself—all that for which he had lived—and saw clearly that it was not real at all, but a terrible and huge deception which had hidden both life and death. this consciousness intensified his physical suffering tenfold. he groaned and tossed about, and pulled at his clothing which choked and stifled him. and he hated them on that account. he was given a large dose of opium and became unconscious, but at noon his sufferings began again. he drove everybody away and tossed from side to side. his wife came to him and said: "jean, my dear, do this for me. it can't do any harm and often . healthy people often do it." he opened his eyes wide. "what? take communion? why? it's unnecessary! " she began to cry. "yes, do, my dear. i'll send for our priest. he is such a nice man." "all right. very well," he muttered. when the priest came and heard his confession, ivan ilyich was softened and seemed to feel a relief from his doubts and consequently from his sufferings, and for a moment there came a ray of hope. he again began to think of the vermiform appendix and the possibility of correcting it. he received the sacrament with tears in his eyes.

Which statement best represents a claim? a.people who do not exercise their right to vote are truly wasting a precious democratic privilege. b.the benefits of mandatory voting in the united states far outweigh the potential drawbacks. c.some countries require people who do not vote in certain elections to pay a moderate fine. d. i would never want to live in a country where it was mandatory to vote in political elections.