Activity Overview
Themes, symbols, and motifs are valuable aspects of any literary work, and they add richness to stories. Part of the Common Core ELA standards is to introduce and explain these complex concepts. However, abstract ideas are often difficult for students to analyze without assistance. Using a storyboard, students can visually demonstrate their understanding of these concepts, and master analysis of literary elements. For best practices, see our supplementary article with specific lesson plan steps on setting up your classroom and activities to teach themes, symbols, and motifs.
In the classroom, students can track the themes in "The Gift of the Magi". They will analyze the appearance of any themes and illustrate examples from the story.
"The Gift of the Magi" Themes
Love
The theme of the story is that the greatest gift of all is unconditional love. Through the sacrifices Della and Jim make for one another, they prove love is more important than material possessions. As the narrator says: “Of all who give and receive gifts, such as they are wisest.”
Sacrifice
A secondary theme in the story is the sacrifice that both characters make for each other. To make their spouse happy, they each sell their most prized possession to make the other happy. For Jim, it is a family heirloom, his grandfather’s watch, and for Della, it is her long, beautiful hair.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that identifies recurring themes in "The Gift of the Magi" . Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the theme(s) from "The Gift of the Magi" you wish to include and replace the "Theme 1" text.
- Create an image for an example that represents this theme.
- Write a description of each of the examples.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | Needs Improvement | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Identification of Theme(s), Symbol(s), and/or Motif(s) | All themes are correctly identified as important recurring topics or messages in the story. Symbols are correctly identified as objects that represent something else at a higher level in the story. Motifs are correctly identified as important recurring features or ideas in the story. | Most themes are correctly identified, but others are missing or incomplete. Most symbols are correctly identified, but some objects are missing or incomplete. Some motifs are correctly identified, but others are missing or incomplete. | Most themes are missing, incomplete, or incorrect. Most symbols are missing, incomplete, or incorrect. Most motifs are missing, incomplete, or incorrect. | No themes, symbols, or motifs are correctly identified. |
| Examples and Descriptions | Quotes and examples are accurate to the theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) that are being identified. Descriptions accurately explain the theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) and highlight their significance to the story. | Most quotes and examples are accurate to the theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motifs that are being identified. Descriptions mostly accurately explain the theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s), and highlight their significance to the story. | Most quotes and examples are minimal, incorrect, or unrelated to the theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) that are being identified. Descriptions contain inaccuracies in their explanations, or do not highlight their significance to the story. | Examples and descriptions are missing or too minimal to score. |
| Depiction | Depictions chosen for theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) are accurate to the story and reflect time, effort, thought, and care with regard to placement and creation of the scenes. | Depictions chosen for theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) are mostly accurate to the story. They reflect time and effort put into placement and creation of the scenes. | Depictions chosen for theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) are inaccurate to the story. The depictions may be rushed or show minimal effort, time, and care put into placement and creation of the scenes. | Most depictions are missing too many elements or are too minimal to score. Little time or effort has been put into placement and creation of the scenes. |
| English Conventions | There are no errors in spelling, grammar, or mechanics throughout the storyboard. All writing portions reflect careful proofreading and accuracy to the story. | There are a few errors in spelling, grammar, and mechanics throughout the storyboard. All writing portions show accuracy to the story and some proofreading. | There are several errors in spelling, grammar, and mechanics throughout the storyboard. Most writing portions do not reflect proofreading or accuracy to the story. | Errors in spelling, grammar, and mechanics in writing portions of the storyboard seriously interfere with communication. |
How To Teach Themes To Students of Different Levels
Customize Text
For students at different levels, choose appropriate texts and stories for them to read and analyze. Students can have different levels of English proficiency and understanding. Teachers can teach the same story in different classes and at different levels by customizing the text to the understanding levels of the students.
Utilize the Scaffolded Instruction Method
As students get more adept at finding and evaluating themes, start with easier texts and progressively raise the complexity. Once students are familiar with the basic concept, they will be able to apply this to complex ideas.
Teach Differentiated Themes
Students at each level will have a different understanding of complex themes. For instance, the theme of friendship will be different for students in first grade and tenth grade. Similarly, It will be easier for older students to understand the theme of manipulation.
Compare and Contrast
Encourage your students to contrast and compare different books' themes. This can aid in their comprehension of how various literary works can have various topics. For younger students, keep the comparison level simple but make the basis of comparison more complex for students at higher levels.
Take Assessments
To gauge the level of students' comprehension of topics, use a variety of evaluation methods, including quizzes, essays, presentations, or projects. Adjust these tests to the level of proficiency of the pupils.
Frequently Asked Questions About "The Gift of the Magi" Theme Analysis
What does "The Gift of the Magi" have as its central theme?
Selfless love and sacrifice are the story's central themes. It demonstrates how love can motivate individuals to make important sacrifices for the well and pleasure of their cherished ones. Both Jim and Della’s actions make readers aware of their love and appreciation for each other and influence us to think about the price of material possessions vs the price of love.
What does the tale indicate about riches and materialism?
The book "The Gift of the Magi" makes the argument that riches and worldly belongings are not the ultimate sources of pleasure. The sacrifices made by Jim and Della serve as a reminder that love and generosity are more precious than anything material.
How does the story's topic apply to readers today?
Readers from all eras may relate to the everlasting topic of love and sacrifice. It serves as a reminder of the value of prioritizing our relationships and the people we love over material things.
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