3.-Explain-how-a-selection-may-be-influenced-by-culture-history-environment-and-other-factors.pptx

The Gift of Magi

1. The Gift of Magi O. Henry

2. O. Henry O. Henry, born William Sydney Porter in 1862, was an American short story writer known for his wit, wordplay, and twist endings. Growing up in North Carolina and later moving to Texas and New York, he worked various jobs, including as a pharmacist, bank clerk, and journalist, which exposed him to people from all walks of life. His experiences with ordinary people and his own hardships—particularly his time in prison for embezzlement—his incarceration gave him a compassionate insight into human struggles and resilience.

3. Living in boarding houses and working various low-paying jobs brought him close to people who often had little but sacrificed much for those they loved. This empathy is especially evident in stories like The Gift of the Magi , where a young couple’s love leads them to make significant sacrifices, and The Last Leaf , where hope and selflessness are portrayed as lifelines. Ultimately, O. Henry’s hardships informed his compassionate, realistic portrayals of selflessness and love, showing that even in difficult circumstances, people are capable of profound acts of kindness and hope.

4. Question to Ponder: Imagine you own something very precious, something you value deeply. Would you be willing to give it up to make someone else happy? Why or why not?

5. Historical Context and Time Period : The Gift of the Magi was published in 1905, a time when financial hardship was common for many working-class families in America. During this era, people valued even small luxuries, and items like Jim’s watch and Della’s hair would have had significant sentimental and financial worth. It was a period where many people lived with limited means, and sacrifices were often made to maintain family relationships and happiness.

6. Cultural Values on Sacrifice and Gift-Giving : In early 20th-century American culture, personal sacrifice was seen as a noble and loving act. People believed in going to great lengths for loved ones, reflecting a high value on selflessness and devotion in relationships. Gift-giving was an important cultural practice during holidays like Christmas, symbolizing love and appreciation, even if it required personal sacrifices.

7. Environmental and Economic Influence : The story’s setting reflects a modest economic environment where Jim and Della live paycheck to paycheck. Their environment shapes their decisions—living in a poor area, they may not have many other resources, so they’d sell personal treasures to afford meaningful gifts. Economic constraints influence the lengths to which Jim and Della go to show their love, emphasizing that their sacrifices are rooted in their financial limitations.

8. Here’s the task! Get 1 whole sheet of paper and answer EACH question in 2-3 sentences.

9. Questions: "Why do you think Della was willing to sell her hair? What does this choice reveal about her feelings for Jim?“ "What do you think motivated Jim to sell his watch? How does this show his personality?“ "What does the story say about the nature of love and sacrifice? Can you think of examples where people make similar sacrifices today?“ "Do you think Della and Jim made the right choice in sacrificing their treasures? Why or why not?"

10. Questions: "O. Henry is known for his use of irony. What is ironic about the ending of The Gift of the Magi ? How does this twist add to the story’s message?“ "If Della and Jim knew what the other was planning, do you think they would have still sold their prized possessions? Why or why not?“ "If you were in Della or Jim’s shoes, would you have made the same decision? Why?“ "What is one thing you might sacrifice for someone you love? Why?"

11. Let’s Make Connections! "Can you think of another story or movie where characters make a big sacrifice for each other? How does it compare to The Gift of the Magi ? Do you think people today would make similar sacrifices? Why or why not?"

12. Competency: Explain how a selection may be influenced by culture, history, environment or other factors

13. Review for a long quiz