The Gift of the Magi Trivia Quiz

Answer: $1.87

"The Gift of the Magi" begins with the following lines. 'One dollar and eighty-seven cents. That was all. And sixty cents of it was in pennies'. Della counted the change three times just to make sure that she didn't have more than the little amount she had.

Answer: Sobs, sniffles and smiles

After Della counted her money she flopped down on the couch and began to scream and cry. Sobs, sniffles and smiles seem to be a progression from sadness to satisfaction.

Answer: Christmas

Della had spent many hours planning on what to buy Jim for Christmas so she was obviously saddened when she realized how little money she had for his gift. The Dillingham's income had recently gone from $30 per week to $20 per week.

Answer: Most of her hair

Madame Sofronie simply looked at Della's hair and ran her hand through it before offering $20. After she sold her hair, Della spent the next two hours looking for a gift for Jim.

Answer: A platinum fob chain

According to Della, the platinum fob chain was simple and chaste in design. Jim used to use an old leather strap instead of a chain for his watch.

Answer: A Coney Island chorus girl

Della felt that "If Jim doesn't kill me before he takes a second look at me, he'll say I look like a Coney Island chorus girl". Della prepared for Jim's arrival by making coffee and pork chops.

Answer: Please, God, make him think I am still pretty.

Della had a habit of saying little silent prayers about simple everyday things. Della said this prayer after hearing Jim begin to walk up the steps to their flat.

Answer: A set of combs

As can be expected, Jim was quite shocked when he saw that Della had cut her hair. Jim affirmed his love to Della by telling her "I don't think there's anything in the way of a haircut or a shave or a shampoo that could make me like my girl any less".

Answer: He sold his watch.

Jim was obviously flabbergasted when he saw that Della had gotten him a chain for his beloved watch. Jim smiled and told Della that the presents were just too nice to use at the present time.

Answer: Foolish and wise

Jim and Della foolishly sacrificed for each other the greatest treasures (Della's hair and Jim's watch) of their house. However, they were also the wisest because they realized that the Christmas season is the time to be unselfish with gifts like the Biblical Magi were.