“The Gift of the Magi” “Retrieved Reformation” O. Henry “The Gift of the Magi” “Retrieved Reformation”

About the Author O. Henry is the pseudonym, or pen name, used by William Sydney Porter (1862-1910). Porter was born in Greensboro North Carolina While growing up, Porter and his sister Evelina would play games that involves story telling, and his helped to foster his interest in writing. In 1882, Porter moved to Texas, where he worked as a ranch hand, bank teller, writer and reporter for the Huston Post. In 1896, Porter was accused of embezzling bank funds and was put in prison. he began writing stories during the three years he was in prison. After he was releases, he began using the pen name O. Henry, after the Captain of the prison (who he admired). In 1902, Porter moves to New York, where he lives until he died. O. Henry’s stories show his understanding of human nature and often have surprising endings. O. Henry was one of America’s best-known short story authors.

Lit terms Setting- Time and place of the story. Irony Situational-the writer shows a discrepancy between what is expected and what actually happens. Verbal- the writer says one thing, but means something entirely different. Dramatic-the reader knows something that a character does not. Inference – the process of making a logical guess based on given evidence. Conflict- struggle between opposing forces Internal- A struggle within one's self; a person must make some decision, overcome pain, quiet their temper, resist an urge, etc. External- A struggle with a force outside one's self, such as another character, nature, circumstances, or society. Allusion- A casual reference to a well-known person, place, or event. Suspense- a feeling of uncertainty about the outcome of events, which keeps you interested in a story’s plot. Simile- Figurative language that compares two things using “like” or “as.” Theme- a perception about life or human nature that the writer wants to share with the reader.

Vocab for “The Gift of the Magi” Bulldozing: to bully. Moral: Concerned with what is right and wrong behavior. Reflection: Careful thought about something. Predominate: To be greater in quantity. Vestibule: a entrance way. Longitudinal: Lengthwise. Conception: Mental picture; idea. Prudence: Cautious behavior. Scrutiny: Close, careful inspection. Inconsequential: unimportant. Ecstatic: a state of intense delight. Covet: to have a strong desire for something. Chronicle: a record of events in the order in which they happen.

Vocab for “A Retrieved Reformation” Assiduously: Carefully and busily Virtuous: Moral; upright Retribution: Punishment for wrong doing Unobtrusively: Without calling attention to oneself Simultaneously: Occurring at the same time Anguish: Great suffering from worry