Discussion Questions (with answers!)
1. How essential is the setting of the story? Could the story have taken place at another time?
I like the setting and think it is important. The amount of money Della had and how she sold her hair wouldn't work in 400 B.C or in modern times.
2. How do the sacrifices of Jim and Della compare to each other?
Ultimately, Della's hair will grow back. Jim, however, sold a family heirloom which can not exactly be replaced. I believe that Jim has more entitlement to crying over his loss than Della does, especially since Jim doesn't actually care if Della's hair is short, and Della rarely leaves the house.
3. Do you think that Jim and Della appreciated their gifts?
Jim and Della clearly appreciated their gifts, although neither were usable. It was the thought that counted, because both of them had to get rid of their most prized possessions in order to give the other person a gift.
4. Would the personalities of Jim and Della change if they were better off
financially?
If you think about the stereotypes of rich people, yes. Having everything you want at your fingertips can definitely impact their personalities. Jim and Della are kept humbled by being poor and having only each other.
5. Why do you think the story compares Jim and Della to the Magi?
The true value of a gift lies in the sacrifice involved in it. The Magi gave their most valuable possessions to Jesus, who was a sacrificial gift himself. Both the characters in this story and the biblical Magi gave their most precious belongings for the benefit of somebody else.
6. How important do you think appearances are?
Judgements, in general, are based mostly on appearance. First impressions especially. As such, I hold appearances to be of relative importance.
7. What is your most prized possession?
My stuffed giraffe, Lovey, that my dad bought me after he came home from eight months deployment in the navy.
8. How would you react to losing your prized possession?
It depends on the circumstance. If giving my most prized possession to someone meant making them happy, I would feel far better than if the possession was stolen or destroyed.
9. If you were Jim or Della, how would you feel about the gift you received?
I would feel a little upset, because my husband had sold the object I bought the gift for. I still would feel grateful, because I would know he cared.
10. Would you prefer to be financially secure, or emotionally content?
I would prefer to be emotionally content because money can't buy happiness.
I like the setting and think it is important. The amount of money Della had and how she sold her hair wouldn't work in 400 B.C or in modern times.
2. How do the sacrifices of Jim and Della compare to each other?
Ultimately, Della's hair will grow back. Jim, however, sold a family heirloom which can not exactly be replaced. I believe that Jim has more entitlement to crying over his loss than Della does, especially since Jim doesn't actually care if Della's hair is short, and Della rarely leaves the house.
3. Do you think that Jim and Della appreciated their gifts?
Jim and Della clearly appreciated their gifts, although neither were usable. It was the thought that counted, because both of them had to get rid of their most prized possessions in order to give the other person a gift.
4. Would the personalities of Jim and Della change if they were better off
financially?
If you think about the stereotypes of rich people, yes. Having everything you want at your fingertips can definitely impact their personalities. Jim and Della are kept humbled by being poor and having only each other.
5. Why do you think the story compares Jim and Della to the Magi?
The true value of a gift lies in the sacrifice involved in it. The Magi gave their most valuable possessions to Jesus, who was a sacrificial gift himself. Both the characters in this story and the biblical Magi gave their most precious belongings for the benefit of somebody else.
6. How important do you think appearances are?
Judgements, in general, are based mostly on appearance. First impressions especially. As such, I hold appearances to be of relative importance.
7. What is your most prized possession?
My stuffed giraffe, Lovey, that my dad bought me after he came home from eight months deployment in the navy.
8. How would you react to losing your prized possession?
It depends on the circumstance. If giving my most prized possession to someone meant making them happy, I would feel far better than if the possession was stolen or destroyed.
9. If you were Jim or Della, how would you feel about the gift you received?
I would feel a little upset, because my husband had sold the object I bought the gift for. I still would feel grateful, because I would know he cared.
10. Would you prefer to be financially secure, or emotionally content?
I would prefer to be emotionally content because money can't buy happiness.