In this section questions are set on the following short stories:
- THE GIFT OF THE MAGI by O. Henry
- TRANSFORMING MOMENTS by Gcina Mhlophe
Read the extracts from the TWO short stories and answer the questions set on
each. The number of marks allocated serves as a guide to the expected length of
your answer.
NOTE: Answer questions in your own words unless you are asked to quote.
Answer the questions set on BOTH extracts, i.e. QUESTION 4.1 AND
QUESTION 4.2.
4.1 ‘THE GIFT OF THE MAGI’
EXTRACT G
[On Christmas Eve, Della is seated by herself in their flat.]
4.1.1 Complete the following sentences by using the words in the list below. Write down only the letter next to the question numbers (4.1.1(a) to 4.1.1(d)) in the ANSWER BOOK.
The title of the story refers to the Magi. These are (a) … that are associated with giving (b) … on (c) … day. One of the themes of the story is unselfish (d) … . (4)
4.1.2 Explain why Della is upset at the beginning of the story. (1)
4.1.3 Quote FOUR words to prove that the couple live on a low paid
salary. (1)
4.1.4 Choose the correct answer to complete the following sentence. Write only the letter (A–D) next to the question number (4.1.4) in the ANSWER BOOK.
Refer to line 1 (‘Whilst the mistress …state to the …’).
‘Subsiding’ in this line means that the mistress of the house is …
A dying.
B planning.
C sinking.
D thinking. (1)
4.1.5 Refer to lines 4–5 (‘In the vestibule … coax a ring.’).
(a) What do these lines tell you about the state of the apartment in which this couple live? (1)
(b) Give TWO possible reasons why no letters would be put into this letter-box. (2)
4.1.6 Refer to lines 10–11 (‘as though they … and unassuming D).
(a) Identify the figure of speech in this line. (1)
(b) Explain why this figure of speech is appropriate. (2)
4.1.7 With reference to the story, discuss how Della ultimately buys a
gift for her husband. (2)
4.1.8 Discuss the theme of sacrifice which is evident in this story. (3)
AND
4.2 ‘TRANSFORMING MOMENTS’
EXTRACT H
[The narrator’s school life among other students.]
4.2.1 Explain why the following statement is FALSE.
The setting of the story is Port Elizabeth in South Africa. (1)
4.2.2 Briefly discuss how the narrator views herself at the beginning of
the story. (2)
4.2.3 Explain why the girls sleep in a dormitory. (1)
4.2.4 Refer to lines 4–9 (‘I used to … with the syllabus’).
(a) Give the meaning of the word ‘coughing’. (1)
(b) In your OWN words explain how ‘coughing’ assists the narrator. (2)
4.2.5 Refer to lines 13–14 (‘Well, I thought … want with me’).
(a) Identify the tone in this line. (1)
(b) Explain why this tone is appropriate. (1)
(c) Give reasons why the narrator does not really know the boy. (2)
4.2.6 Discuss how Father Fikeni helps the narrator towards her selfactualisation. (3)
4.2.7 Is the narrator an admirable character? Discuss your view. (3)
[35]
TOTAL SECTION C: 35