Characterization, Theme, and Irony in "The Gift of the Magi" — Quiz
Question 7 • Literature and Composition I
Read the excerpt from "The Gift of the Magi." Where she stopped the sign read: "Mme. Sofronie. Hair Goods of All Kinds." One flight up Della ran, and collected herself, panting. Madame, large, too white, chilly, hardly looked the "Sofronie." "Will you buy my hair?" asked Della. "I buy hair," said Madame. "Take yer hat off and let’s have a sight at the looks of it." Down rippled the brown cascade. "Twenty dollars," said Madame, lifting the mass with a practised hand. Madame Sofronie’s character is most developed through
Answer
A
direct characterization, describing her physical appearance.
B
direct characterization, using her words and feelings.
C
indirect characterization, using her thoughts and action.
D
indirect characterization, describing her personality.
Explanation
The narrator explicitly describes Madame as “large, too white, chilly,” which directly tells the reader what she looks like and suggests her manner. This is direct characterization through physical description, so the best answer is “direct characterization, describing her physical appearance.”
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