Activity Overview
“The Gift of the Magi” contains a number of literary devices that can be taught alongside the story. Storyboards can be a simple way for students to identify and explain examples of these devices. Visual representation can also improve students’ retention of the concepts. Have students depict scenes, characters, or objects that convey examples of some of the following: symbols, irony, intrusive narrator, figurative language, allusion. Below each square, students should explain their reasoning.
Example “The Gift of the Magi” Literary Devices
Symbolism
The expensive objects Della and Jim buy each other are symbolic of their love. The items themselves have very little meaning - in fact, the couple puts them away for the time being. The selfless sacrifice that they represent, however, makes them precious.
Irony
The end of the story is an example of situational irony. Each character is faced with a circumstance that is the opposite of what they expected. This irony adds a trademark O. Henry's twist to the end of the story.
Intrusive Narrator
The narrator of "The Gift of the Magi" intrudes upon the story multiple times. When he draws our attention away from the characters and speaks directly to the readers, he is making his presence obvious to the reader. Like an actor breaking the fourth wall, he tells us to look away when Della and Jim are embracing.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that shows four examples of literary elements in “The Gift of the Magi”.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify use of literary devices in the text.
- Put the type of literary device in the title box.
- Give an example from the text in the description box.
- Illustrate the example using using a combination of scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identification of Literary Elements | All literary elements are correctly identified. | Most literary elements are correctly identified. | Few literary elements are correctly identified. |
| Illustration | Illustrations show attention to the details of the story and demonstrate connection to the literary elements. | Illustrations demonstrate connection to the literary elements. | Illustrations show little connection to the literary elements. |
| Description of Literary Elements | Descriptions clearly explain what the literary elements do to enhance the story. | Most descriptions tell what the literary elements do to enhance the story. | Descriptions are unrelated to the literary elements. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Spelling and grammar is mostly accurate. Mistakes do not get in the way of understanding. | Spelling is very inaccurate and hinders full understanding. | Text is very difficult to understand. |
How To Explain Breaking the Fourth Wall in Literature
Explain the Term
Begin by explaining the term and its significance such as what is the fourth wall? Why do authors break this wall? Simply explain that while watching a movie, students can consider the screen as the fourth wall; if the writer intends to break the fourth wall, the characters will acknowledge the audience's presence. Similarly, in writings, the narrators address the audience which blurs the lines between the fictional world and the real world.
Mention the Historical Context
Give some background on the meaning and history of the phrase "fourth wall." In the 19th century, authors and actors started experimenting with this method in the theater. The fourth wall was broken in order to engage the audience in fresh and creative ways.
Discuss Types and Examples
Teachers can creatively discuss the types of breaking the fourth wall by showing and recreating different examples. For instance, teachers can pick one scene as an example of each type and ask the students to recreate their own versions of that scene.
Investigate Authors Objectives
Look at the reasons behind writers' Fourth Wall-breaking decisions. It can be used as a literary device to express ideas, make observations about the creative process, or engage the reader more deeply. The goal of the approach in a particular piece of writing can be clarified by understanding the author's intentions.
Frequently Asked Questions About "The Gift of the Magi" Literary Elements
How does O. Henry employ irony in his narrative?
Situational irony is used by O. Henry in "The Gift of the Magi" by having both Della and Jim make sacrifices that ultimately render the presents they buy for each other meaningless. The irony is that their sacrifice and devotion are worth more than the presents themselves. This irony is employed in the climax when both characters become aware of their sacrifice and their thoughtful but pointless gifts.
What part does the narrator play in the narrative?
The third-person omniscient narrator offers insight into both Jim and Della's thoughts and feelings. Readers are able to comprehend the characters' intentions and emotions thanks to the narrator's point of view. Even though Jim and Della are not aware of the sacrifices they make for each other, the readers are aware of that due to the narrator and understand the characters on a deeper level.
How is Symbolism addressed in the story?
Symbolism in the story is addressed through the gifts that Jim and Della buy for each other. Jim gifts Della a comb that she can no longer use and similarly, Della gifts Jim a watch chain which he also can not use. Even though their gifts can be considered pointless, they are a symbol of their love and thoughtfulness for each other. Even if they can not use the gifts, they will always be reminded of their sacrifice for each other through those objects.
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