The Gift of the Magi and Other Stories Lesson Plan

How would you describe Henry's writing style? Identify specific literary techniques that he seems to favor. How do these techniques contribute to his storytelling? How might these techniques have been received at the time and in the places he was writing?

Students will likely immediately notice Henry's consistent use of a twist or surprise ending across his stories. Additionally, they may discuss the author's use of clever, decorative, and punchy language in general as well as particular literary techniques specifically. For instance, students may point to the use of alliteration to refer to the plagued character of Soapy as a "menaced mallard" ("The Cop"), or they may...