Short StoriesInference and Irony

Educated guess• inference

What is a contrast between what is expected and what actually happens?• Situational irony

Opposite of depreciate• Increase in value

weakness• languor

We sent Tina our ______ on her grandmother’s death.• condolences

O Henry has a quote that means life is sad. What does he compare life to?• Sobs, sniffles, and smiles – but mostly sniffles

In which story does Della want to buy Jim a present, but has very little money?• The Gift of the Maji

What did Della do consistently to try to save money?• Pinched every penny she could from the tight

budget

Which story’s setting is a large American city around 1905?• Gift of the Maji

What do you know about Ulrich at the beginning of the story?• He is angry and wants to find his enemy

Describe Jim from The Gift of the Maji.• Serious and responsible

Which story’s mood at the beginning is dark and foreboding?• The Interlopers

What was surprising about Madame Sofronie?• She didn’t look like her name – she wasn’t

elegant, but very ordinary in appearance

Because he suspects Georg will be poaching in the forest, what does Ulrich do?• Go into the woods

Why were the combs Jim bought useless?• Della had cut her hair

Why does Ulrich cry out in joy?• He sees the figures coming down the hill

Why is the ending of The Interlopers surprising?• Figures in the woods aren’t who they appear to be

What ironic situation do the men in The Interlopers find themselves in?• Pinned together under a tree instead of fighting

each other

Name a point in the story when you start to see that Ulrich is feeling more friendly towards Georg.• Offers him a drink from his wine flask

Why is Georg’s description of the two men’s new life as friends ironic?• No one will believe him

What is the mood of The Interlopers at the end?• grim

Who/what were the interlopers?• wolves