Themes, symbols, and motifs are valuable aspects of any literary work, and they add richness to stories. Part of the Common Core ELA standards is to introduce and explain these complex concepts. However, abstract ideas are often difficult for students to analyze without assistance. Using a storyboard, students can visually demonstrate their understanding of these concepts, and master analysis of literary elements. For best practices, see our supplementary article with specific lesson plan steps on setting up your classroom and activities to teach themes, symbols, and motifs.
In the classroom, students can track the themes in "The Gift of the Magi". They will analyze the appearance of any themes and illustrate examples from the story.
The theme of the story is that the greatest gift of all is unconditional love. Through the sacrifices Della and Jim make for one another, they prove love is more important than material possessions. As the narrator says: “Of all who give and receive gifts, such as they are wisest.”
A secondary theme in the story is the sacrifice that both characters make for each other. To make their spouse happy, they each sell their most prized possession to make the other happy. For Jim, it is a family heirloom, his grandfather’s watch, and for Della, it is her long, beautiful hair.
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Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that identifies recurring themes in "The Gift of the Magi" . Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
For students at different levels, choose appropriate texts and stories for them to read and analyze. Students can have different levels of English proficiency and understanding. Teachers can teach the same story in different classes and at different levels by customizing the text to the understanding levels of the students.
As students get more adept at finding and evaluating themes, start with easier texts and progressively raise the complexity. Once students are familiar with the basic concept, they will be able to apply this to complex ideas.
Students at each level will have a different understanding of complex themes. For instance, the theme of friendship will be different for students in first grade and tenth grade. Similarly, It will be easier for older students to understand the theme of manipulation.
Encourage your students to contrast and compare different books' themes. This can aid in their comprehension of how various literary works can have various topics. For younger students, keep the comparison level simple but make the basis of comparison more complex for students at higher levels.
To gauge the level of students' comprehension of topics, use a variety of evaluation methods, including quizzes, essays, presentations, or projects. Adjust these tests to the level of proficiency of the pupils.
Selfless love and sacrifice are the story's central themes. It demonstrates how love can motivate individuals to make important sacrifices for the well and pleasure of their cherished ones. Both Jim and Della’s actions make readers aware of their love and appreciation for each other and influence us to think about the price of material possessions vs the price of love.
The book "The Gift of the Magi" makes the argument that riches and worldly belongings are not the ultimate sources of pleasure. The sacrifices made by Jim and Della serve as a reminder that love and generosity are more precious than anything material.
Readers from all eras may relate to the everlasting topic of love and sacrifice. It serves as a reminder of the value of prioritizing our relationships and the people we love over material things.