Literature Notebook New Story The Gift of the Magi

Literature Notebook—New Story: “The Gift of the Magi” DARTS: 1. I can define and identify the three types of irony. 2. I can identify allusions in a text. 3. I can make symbolic connections.

Interactive Notebook— (NOTES) What is Irony? Irony is about expectations. Irony: the opposite of what is expected. 3 Kinds of Irony n Verbal n Dramatic n Situational

Verbal Irony A character says one thing but means the opposite Also called sarcasm or being sarcastic. Example: Awesome! Another homework packet!

Dramatic Irony When the reader understands more about the events of a story than a character. You know a secret that a character doesn’t. Example: Tim’s parents are proud of the “A” he got on the test, but we know he cheated.

Situational Irony When what actually happens is the opposite of what is expected. Something about the situation is completely unexpected. Example: Bill Gates uses an Apple computer.

Review Something that is ironic is unexpected. If unexpected by a character, it’s dramatic. If unexpected by everyone, it’s situational. If it’s sarcasm, it’s verbal.

Shoulder Partner Activity: (10 min) Analyze the song lyrics you were given earlier to find examples of irony. Verbal Dram Situ n Everyone on the team Must write answers in their NOTES. Underline or mark the line in the Song and label the type of irony it is. n Share with the class. n

Interactive Notebook –NOTES SECTION HANDOUT Please complete the “Gift of the Magi” prereading handout and place it in the NOTES section of your short story unit of your literature journal. Be prepared to discuss your answers with your team or other members of the class.

Exit Slipn Without looking at your notes list the three types of irony n Define each n Also, give one Example of each.

ALLUSION A figurative reference to a previous work or historical event as a comparison. Its purpose is to provide a figurative image that links the literary work to that previous work or historical event to increase the range of meaning through the context of the alluded work.

Allusion In “The Gift of the Magi” there are three allusions: 1. Magi 2. King of Solomon 3. Queen of Sheba As you read, your task will be to explain each and explain how it contributes to theme of the story.

VOCABULARY In your vocabulary section, create a FOUR column chart. Set up the headings as follows: 1) Vocab Word, 2) What I Think It Means, 3) What It Actually Means, and 4) Visual

1. Imputation Used in Context: He hadn’t done anything wrong, so he didn’t like the imputation. Based on the sentence, what do you think this word means?

Imputation (N)—Accusation; as a fault or crime

2. Parsimony Used in context: Despite his wealth, the man was known for his parsimony. Based on the sentence, what do you think this word means?

Parsimony (N)—extreme stinginess

3. Instigate Used in context: My brother always instigates fights with me. Based on the sentence, what do you think this word means?

Instigate (V)—to urge, provoke, or incite to some action

4. Depreciate n Used in context: The abandoned house on the corner of our street depreciates our home’s worth. Based on the sentence, what do you think this word means?

Depreciate (V)—to reduce the purchasing value of

5. Prudence Used in Context: It was a dangerous place, and therefore, her prudence was wise. Based on the sentence, what do you think this word means?

Prudence (N)-Being wise in financial or personal affairs.

6. Scrutiny Used in context: The investigator searched the scene with scrutiny. Based on the sentence, what do you think this word means?

Scrutiny (N)—A close and searching look.

7. Coveted Used in Context: Our team finally earned the coveted championship trophy. Based on the sentence, what do you think this word means?

Coveted (V)-Yearn to possess or have

VOCABULARY REVIEW… Decide if the statement is TRUE OR FALSE. 1. A person who instigates conflict might be called a “problem solver. ” 2. A car’s value will depreciate after six years of use. 3. A person who practices prudence spends a lot of money. 4. Write a TRUE/FALSE statement for a word of your choice.

“The Gift of the Magi” O. Henry Pages 53 -58

Meet the Author and Build a Little Background Read the information about O. Henry on interactive reading guide on the back of “Ironic” song lyrics sheet. n Complete the “Anticipation Guide” n Read the “Building Background” box to the right on the page n Answer the two “Use Your Brain” Questions at the bottom. n

Let’s Begin Reading… Read the first paragraph on page 53. In your “Close Reading Section” write and answer the following question: 1. What problem does O. Henry present in the opening paragraph?

As You Read… Read the second paragraph. Write and answer the following question: Do you agree with the “moral reflection” in this paragraph?

As You Read… Read the third paragraph. Write and answer the following question: Summarize what the narrator is saying in this paragraph.

As You Read… After you read the first five paragraphs, write and answer the following questions: 1. What can you infer about Della from her actions so far in the story? 2. What can you infer about Jim and the kind of Person he would like to be based on The information given about him so Far?

Homework 1. 2. Read the rest of the story independently. Complete the homework sheet and bring to class for discussion.

Single Round Robin TASK: In your teams, you will discuss each of your answers on your homework sheet today. Each team member will read each of their answers as you go around your groups until all questions have been answered. Team member with the biggest hands will go first.

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER n Let’s work together to analyze the allusions, theme and symbols in the story.

Allusion 1—The Magi n n The three wise men—Balthasar, Melchoir, and Gaspar—traveled East to present gifts to the infant Jesus. These gifts were prized possessions. In the end of the story, the gifts that Jim and Della receive and give are their most prized possessions—love and sacrifice. They are the wisest gift givers.

Allusion 2—King Solomon n. A biblical king of Israel, known for his wisdom and wealth. n King Solomon’s wealth is contrasted to Jim’s watch. The message is Jim’s family heirloom would make King Solomon envious.

Allusion 3—Queen of Sheba A rich Arabian Queen. n Adds to the message because Her wealth is contrasted with Della’s hair. The implication is That Della’s hair is worth more. n

Find your Notes on Archetypes and Symbols from “Ibis” Write the symbolic meanings for… --Della’s Hair --Jim’s Watch --Magi --Dillingham --gray cat, gray fence, gray backyard --Della selling her hair --The watch chain

FINALLY… QUIZ TIME: Write the Questions and Answer on a sheet of paper. 1. A paradox is an apparent contradiction that is actually true. It may be a statement or situation. Explain why the following statement is a pardox: Jim and Della were one of the richest couples on earth.

Continued… 2. What do you think this story, written almost a century ago, has to say about our consumer society today? 3. Do we often equate love with money? Consider advertising, the amount of money we spend on gifts, the value placed on having many possessions.