Oscar Wilde

“The Selfish Giant”

I. Answer the questions:

1. What kind of garden did the Giant have?

2. Why did the children like to play there?

3. How did the Giant behave after his return?

4. What happened when the Spring came?

5. Could the Giant understand why the Spring was so late?

6. What did the Giant hear and see one morning?

7. Why was it still winter in one corner of the garden?

8. What did the Giant determine to do?

9. What was his attitude to the children after that?

10. Why did the Giant long for the little boy?

11. What marvellous sight did the Giant see one winter morning?

12. What were his feelings?

13. How did the story end?

II. Tell the story as if you were:

a) the Giant; b) one of the children.

III. Topics for discussion:

1. “Trespassers will be prosecuted.” Your attitude to such signs.

2. Nature punished the Giant.

3. The children changed the Giant’s life.

4. The Giant’s death.

TASK 13

O’Henry

“The Gift of the Magi”

I. Answer the following questions:

1. Why was Della saving money?

2. Did she have enough money for a Christmas present?

3. How did Jim and Della live (their relations, their financial posi­tion)?

4. What were their possessions?

5. What decision did Della take?

6. What did she do after she had cut her hair?

7. What did she fear for when she was waiting for Jim?

8. How did Jim behave when he saw Della’s hair cut short?

9. How was Jim able to get money for the Christmas present?

10. What do you think the title means?

II. Tell the story as if you were:

1. the author;

2. Jim;

3. Della.

III. Topics for discussion:

1. Della and Jim’s life

2. Della’s sacrifice

3. Say whether you approve / disapprove / understand the heroes’ sacrifices

4. Explain how you understand the title of the story

TASK 14

O’Henry

“The Last Leaf”

I. Answer the questions:

1. How did Sue and Johnsy become friends?

2. When did Johnsy fall ill?

3. How did the doctor assess Johnsy’s chances of recovery?

4. What was Johnsy doing while lying in bed?

5. What did she have on her mind?

6. How did Sue behave in that situation?

7. Who was Sue’s model?

8. What kind of life did Behrman lead?

9. How did he take Johnsy’s illness?-

10. What happened one morning after one dreadful night?

11. How did Johnsy’s behaviour change that morning?

12. Why was Behrman taken ill with pneumonia?

13. What was his masterpiece?

II. Tell the story as if you were:

a) the doctor; b) Johnsy; c) Sue.

III. Make up a dialogue between:

a) Sue and the doctor; b) Sue and the painter.

IV. Topics for discussion:

1. What happened during that winter in New York.

2. Speak about Behrman and about the part he plays in the story.

3. The power of friendship.

4. The real hero of the story.

TASK 15

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