Lit. Unit 7: Gift of the Magi

ED

“THE GIFT OF THE MAGI”

O. Henry

OBJECTIVES

To review the important literary devices present

in the story

To demonstrate understanding of those devices

ALLUSION

A reference in one work of literature to a historical event, person, or another work of literature, often used to deepen the meaning of the story.

Look at the title of the story again. What does O. Henry allude to?

SUSPENSE

Excitement or tension that readers feels as

they become involved in a story.

• Readers become eager to know the outcome

of the plot

• When did you start to feel tension in the

story?

FORESHADOWING

The author gives little clues about what is

going to happen in the story.

Does O. Henry give us any clues?

IRONY

In general, irony is a form of contrasts

3 types: • Dramatic: You know something that the

characters do not

• Situational: Something unexpected happens

• Verbal: What is said is different than what is meant.

What is ironic about this story????

OF COURSE, FOLKS HAVE

IMITATED O. HENRY’S

STORY

That’s ironic!

THE IRONY REVEALS…

The theme! What is the theme?

(don’t answer that…save it for

the exit ticket)