Discussion of The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry
To discuss the wisdom of giving and receiving gifts. What makes a gift or giver wise or foolish? How should you decide what you should give?
Duration:
Print30 minute discussion + reading time
Objectives:
Students will:
- Challenge each other about what the best gifts are to give or receive
- Prompt each other about the appropriateness of specific gifts
- Assess the worth of gifts
- Decide whether an ordinarily good gift is a good gift from this particular giver or for this particular recipient
Materials:
Class copies of Kass, Amy A. (Ed.). (2002). The Perfect Gift: The Philanthropic Imagination in Poetry and Prose. Bloomington, Indiana: Indiana University Press. Chapter: “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry.
Instructions:
Print
Students read O. Henry’s “The Gift of the Magi” for homework or in class.
Class discussion about the story and perspectives on giving and receiving.
Assessment:
Student reflections on the story