Your San Pasqual Academy

Points:
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English 9 and 10 - Ms. Priester
“The Gift of the Magi” Before You Read
Remember to meet all Standard Formatting Expectations.

1. Define situational irony. (Copy the definition from your notes.)

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Read Before You Read: “The Gift of the Magi” on page 286. Then, answer the following questions.
2. Since it is described in detail at the beginning of this section, you can infer which
type of irony is used in “The Gift of the Magi.” Which type is used?
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3. What special type of ironic situation did O. Henry specialize in?

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4. This story involves cherished (prized) possessions. Talk to the people listed below
to find out their most prized possessions.
- your roommate’s name: __________________________________________
most prized possession: __________________________________________

- your house social worker’s name: __________________________________

most prized possession: __________________________________________

- your current staff or house parent’s name: ____________________________

most prized possession: __________________________________________

- your best friend’s name: __________________________________________

most prized possession: _____________________________________(__/4)

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5. The Magi refereed to in the title of this story are the three “wise men” who, according
to the Bible (Matthew 2:1-13), brought gifts of frankincense and myrrh (substances
prized for their fragrance) as well as gold to the infant Jesus. These men began a
tradition that is now a large part of our American Christmas customs.
a. What is the American custom originated with the story of the wise men?
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b. In our culture, who brings the gifts instead of wise men? This is not in the
book. Use your own knowledge, or ask an adult to help you.
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6. To help you understand the story better, read the words and definitions in the
Vocabulary Development box. Then, write each word next to the example that best
matches it. Draw a small dog next to number 5 for two points. Remember to spell
the words correctly.

Word Bank
instigates agile depreciate cascade ransacking
discreet scrutiny nimble coveted singed

An over-roasted marshmallow is ________________________________________.

Jack who jumped over the candlestick is __________________________________.
Looking over a test before turning it in is using _____________________________.
Crashing a car and smashing the bumper will _______________________ its value.
When one person gets kicked out, it sometimes __________________misbehavior.
Rain rushing down steps of the café is a __________________________________.
A ballerina dancing across the stage is ___________________________________.
Keeping a birthday present secret is being ________________________________.
Robbers dumping a jewelry box are _______________________________the room.
Lori’s new cell phone is what the jealous kids ______________________________.
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