9 H Writing Assignment: “The Gift of the Magi”
Write a 1 – 2 paragraph essay on one of the prompts below. Paper must be in MLA format (see grammar book p. 492); typed is preferred but written in cursive in black or blue pen is also acceptable (must still be in MLA format). Edit your paper per rules on reverse. Due ______.
- What is the main theme in “The Gift of the Magi?” Use clear examples from the story to explain the theme. Consider the words and actions of the main characters. You may also want to consider the author’s voice in the story. Write in 3rd person, literary present.
- Reread your journal response to George Eliot’s quote, “One must be poor to know the luxury of giving.” After reading the story, what has changed about your understanding of this quotation? Reference the quote in your essay. Reference the story as well. You may write in 1st person.
- In the final paragraph, the narrator says, “And here I have lamely related to you the uneventful chronicle of two foolish children in a flat who most unwisely sacrificed for each other the greatest treasures of their house. But in a last word to the wise of these days let it be said that of all who give gifts these two were the wisest.” Interpret these contradictory statements. Which way does the narrator really feel? What purpose did the narrator have for contradicting himself? Write in 3rd person.
“The Gift of the Magi” rubric: Writer includes introductory statement indicating what paragraph will address (which of the 3 prompts is answered), a well-reasoned explanation, at least one example from the story as support, and a conclusion. Standard English employed. Paper is presented professionally. ___/15
9 H Writing Assignment: “The Gift of the Magi”
Write a 1 – 2 paragraph essay on one of the prompts below. Paper must be in MLA format (see grammar book p. 492); typed is preferred but written in cursive in black or blue pen is also acceptable (must still be in MLA format). Edit your paper per rules on reverse. Due ______.
- What is the main theme in “The Gift of the Magi?” Use clear examples from the story to explain the theme. Consider the words and actions of the main characters. You may also want to consider the author’s voice in the story. Write in 3rd person, literary present.
- Reread your journal response to George Eliot’s quote, “One must be poor to know the luxury of giving.” After reading the story, what has changed about your understanding of this quotation? Reference the quote in your essay. Reference the story as well. You may write in 1st person.
- In the final paragraph, the narrator says, “And here I have lamely related to you the uneventful chronicle of two foolish children in a flat who most unwisely sacrificed for each other the greatest treasures of their house. But in a last word to the wise of these days let it be said that of all who give gifts these two were the wisest.” Interpret these contradictory statements. Which way does the narrator really feel? What purpose did the narrator have for contradicting himself? Write in 3rd person.
“The Gift of the Magi” rubric: Writer includes introductory statement indicating what paragraph will address (which of the 3 prompts is answered), a well-reasoned explanation, at least one example from the story as support, and a conclusion. Standard English employed. Paper is presented professionally. ___/15
Ten Rules
1. Always write in third person unless otherwise indicated (grammar 178).
2. Run-on sentences and sentence fragments are never permitted (434-441).
3. Sentences must agree in number and gender (135).
4. A paragraph should contain at least five sentences.
5. Each paragraph should contain only one idea.
6. Spelling and punctuation always count.
7. Avoid abbreviations and contractions in formal essays.
8. Avoid clichés and slang.
9. Of is not the same as have and alot is not a word.
10. Do not start a sentence with the word there.
When Della says, “Give it to me quick,” (O’Henry 10) it indicates how uncertain she is about the decision, that she wants her hair cut before she changes her mind. With the hair gone, the finality of her decision is reflected when she tells Jim, “It’s sold, I tell you – sold and gone, too.” (11).
Ten Rules
1. Always write in third person unless otherwise indicated (grammar 178).
2. Run-on sentences and sentence fragments are never permitted (434-441).
3. Sentences must agree in number and gender (135).
4. A paragraph should contain at least five sentences.
5. Each paragraph should contain only one idea.
6. Spelling and punctuation always count.
7. Avoid abbreviations and contractions in formal essays.
8. Avoid clichés and slang.
9. Of is not the same as have and alot is not a word.
10. Do not start a sentence with the word there.
When Della says, “Give it to me quick,” (O’Henry 10) it indicates how uncertain she is about the decision, that she wants her hair cut before she changes her mind. With the hair gone, the finality of her decision is reflected when she tells Jim, “It’s sold, I tell you – sold and gone, too.” (11).