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Syllabus

The Gift of the Magi — Syllabus

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

The Gift of the Magi topics: Story Overview, Author and Background, Setting, plus 1 more. From the ICSE Class 10 English Literature-Treasure Chest.

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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4 Topics · ICSE Class 10 English Literature-Treasure Chest ( Poems and Short Stories) · 2026-27

Topics in The Gift of the Magi

1

Story Overview

  • The story is a Christmas short story with a twist ending.
  • It was first published in 1905.
  • It is included in The Four Million (1906).
2

Author and Background

  • O. Henry was the pen name of William Sydney Porter (1862–1910).
  • He was born in Greensboro, North Carolina.
  • He spent time in prison for alleged bank embezzlement, a conviction that remains contested.
3

Setting

  • The story is set in a furnished flat in New York City.
  • The flat rents for $8 a week.
  • The letterbox on the flat has been crossed out.
4

Characters

  • Della Young is the protagonist; she is Jim's wife.
  • Della is young, loving, practical, and impulsive.
  • She has saved $1.87 and keeps counting it again and again.

Key Concepts

Central concept: Sacrifice and true love shown through irony

O. HenryDella YoungJim YoungPovertyGift exchangeIronyThe MagiSymbols

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

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