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The Gift of the Magi — Flashcards

ICSE · Class 10 · English Literature-Treasure Chest ( Poems and Short Stories)

30 flashcards for The Gift of the Magi (ICSE Class 10 English Literature-Treasure Chest) to test yourself on key terms and facts.

65 questions30 flashcards5 concepts

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A flowchart illustrating the key plot points and the symmetrical sacrifices made by Della and Jim in 'The Gift of the Magi'.
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30 Flashcards·
Central IdeaGenre and EndingCharacter: DellaCharacter: JimCharacter: Mme. SofronieSymbolism: HairSymbolism: WatchPlot Objects
Card 1Central Idea

What is the central idea of The Gift of the Magi?

Answer

The central idea is that true love is shown through sacrifice. Della and Jim each give up what they value most to buy a gift for the other. Their gifts become useless, but their love becomes more mean…

Card 2Genre and Ending

Why is The Gift of the Magi called a Christmas short story with a twist ending?

Answer

It is a Christmas story because the events take place on Christmas Eve and involve gift-giving. It has a twist ending because each person sacrifices the very thing needed for the other's gift: Della s…

Card 3Character: Della

Who is Della Young?

Answer

Della Young is the protagonist and Jim's wife. She is young, loving, practical, and impulsive. She has saved $1.87 and decides to sell her hair to buy a gift for Jim. Her prayer, 'Please God, make him…

Card 4Character: Jim

Who is Jim, also called James Dillingham Young?

Answer

Jim is Della's husband. He earns $20 a week, down from $30 when times were better. His most valued possession is his gold pocket watch, which came from his father and grandfather. He sells it to buy D…

Card 5Character: Mme. Sofronie

Who is Mme. Sofronie?

Answer

Mme. Sofronie is the hair dealer. She runs a shop called 'Hair Goods of All Kinds.' She is brisk and businesslike and offers Della twenty dollars for her hair. She is a minor character, but she helps …

Card 6Symbolism: Hair

What does Della's hair symbolise?

Answer

Della's hair symbolises beauty, pride, and identity. It is her greatest possession and the thing she values most about herself. When she sells it, she gives up a part of her self-image to express love…

Card 7Symbolism: Watch

What does Jim's watch symbolise?

Answer

Jim's watch symbolises heritage, continuity, and family pride. It was handed down from his father, who received it from his grandfather. Jim sells it to buy Della's gift, showing that love matters mor…

Card 8Plot Objects

Why are the platinum chain and the combs important in the story?

Answer

The platinum fob chain and the tortoiseshell combs are the two gifts that create the twist ending. Della buys the chain for Jim's watch, but Jim has sold the watch. Jim buys the combs for Della's hair…

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the important topics in The Gift of the Magi for ICSE Class 10 English Literature-Treasure Chest ( Poems and Short Stories)?
Key topics in The Gift of the Magi include Story Overview, Author and Background, Setting, Characters. Study these first, then practise questions on each for the ICSE Class 10 board exam.
How many flashcards are available for The Gift of the Magi?
There are 30 flashcards for The Gift of the Magi covering key definitions, facts and ideas. A few sample cards are shown on this page.
How should I revise The Gift of the Magi for the ICSE Class 10 board exam?
Learn the core ideas first, then work through the 65 practice questions on The Gift of the Magi. Revise definitions regularly and use flashcards for quick recall before the exam.

Sources & Official References

Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.

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