Model Millionaire,
Part 1,
Passage 1, Page 88
& 89:
Unless one is wealthy ……………………………..…. he used to say; and Hughie looked very glum in those days, and had to go to Laura for consolation.
Glossary
Romance – love
affair or love in general.
Privilege – a
special right or benefit available only to certain people.
Profession – an
occupation or career requiring skill.
Unemployed –
without a job.
Practical –
sensible, realistic, dealing with real needs rather than ideals.
Prosaic –
ordinary, dull, not imaginative.
Permanent income –
money or wealth that comes regularly and securely, not temporary.
Fascinating –
charming, attractive, interesting.
Modern life – the
reality of society in Oscar Wilde’s time (late 19th century).
Intellectually –
in terms of intelligence or mind.
Brilliant –
extremely clever, witty.
Ill-natured –
unkind, spiteful.
Profile – the side
view of a face or outline of features.
Accomplishment – a
skill or talent achieved through practice.
Bequeathed –
handed down after death, usually through a will.
Cavalry – a branch
of the army that fought on horseback.
Peninsular War –
war fought (1808–1814) by Britain, Spain, and Portugal against Napoleon’s
France, in the Iberian Peninsula.
Volumes – large
books that are part of a set.
Ruff’s Guide – a
guide to horse racing.
Bailey’s Magazine
– a periodical about sports and leisure.
Stock Exchange –
marketplace for buying and selling company shares.
Butterfly – a
light-hearted, pleasure-seeking person.
Bulls and bears –
symbols of rising and falling trends in the stock market.
Tea-merchant –
someone trading in tea.
Sherry – a type of
Spanish wine.
Souchong – a type
of Chinese black tea.
Delightful –
charming, pleasing.
Ineffectual – not
producing the desired effect; useless.
Retired Colonel –
a former military officer.
Digestion –
ability to process food comfortably.
Adored – loved
deeply, worshipped.
Shoe-strings – a
humble way of saying Hughie was ready to worship even the smallest things about
Laura.
Penny-piece – a
small amount of money; here, they had no wealth.
Engagement –
formal agreement to marry.
Ten thousand
pounds – a huge fortune in Victorian England.
Summary
Oscar Wilde begins
The Model Millionaire with witty remarks about modern society. He says that
unless one is wealthy, it is useless to be charming. Romance, he observes, is
really the privilege of the rich, not the unemployed poor. The poor should be
practical and ordinary rather than romantic or idealistic. He stresses that
having a permanent income is better than being fascinating. These are,
according to Wilde, the “great truths of modern life.”
Unfortunately, Hughie Erskine
never understood these truths. Hughie was not very intelligent and had no
particular achievements. He had never said anything brilliant or even rude in
his life. Yet, he was very handsome, with chestnut-brown hair, a sharply
defined profile, and attractive grey eyes. Men and women both liked him, and he
had every talent except the ability to earn money.
Hughie’s father had left him only two
things: a cavalry sword and a long history of the Peninsular War in fifteen
volumes. Hughie used the sword as a decoration over his mirror, placed the
books on a shelf between Ruff’s Guide and Bailey’s Magazine, and lived on the
two hundred pounds per year given to him by his aunt.
He had tried many
jobs. He joined the Stock Exchange, but he was like a butterfly among the
aggressive “bulls and bears.” He tried to be a tea-merchant, dealing in sherry
and tea (souchong), but he failed there too. In the end, he became nothing—just
a handsome, pleasing, but useless young man, without a profession.
To make matters
worse, Hughie was in love. The girl was Laura Merton, daughter of a retired
Colonel who had lost both his temper and his digestion during his service in
India. Laura adored Hughie, and Hughie was completely devoted to her. They were
considered the most attractive couple in London, but they had no money.
Though the Colonel
liked Hughie, he refused to accept their engagement. He always told Hughie:
“Come to me, my boy, when you have got ten thousand pounds of your own, and we
will see about it.” Thus, Hughie’s lack of wealth stood as a barrier between
him and his love.
MCQs
Q1. Who is the
author of The Model Millionaire?
a) Charles Dickens
b) Oscar Wilde
c) Rudyard Kipling
d) George Eliot
Ans: b) Oscar
Wilde
Q2. According to
Wilde, romance is the privilege of whom?
a) The poor
b) The soldiers
c) The rich
d) The unemployed
Ans: c) The rich
Q3. What did Wilde
say was better than being fascinating?
a) Being handsome
b) Having a
permanent income
c) Being
intellectual
d) Being romantic
Ans: b) Having a
permanent income
Q4. What was
Hughie’s most attractive feature?
a) His
intelligence
b) His wealth
c) His good looks
d) His wit
Ans: c) His good
looks
Q5. What colour
was Hughie’s hair?
a) Black
b) Chestnut brown
c) Blonde
d) Grey
Ans: b) Chestnut
brown
Q6. Hughie’s eyes
were:
a) Blue
b) Green
c) Grey
d) Hazel
Ans: c) Grey
Q7. What did
Hughie’s father leave him?
a) A fortune
b) A house and
land
c) A cavalry sword
and books
d) Only debts
Ans: c) A cavalry
sword and books
Q8. The history
left by Hughie’s father was about:
a) The American
War
b) The Crimean War
c) The Peninsular
War
d) The French
Revolution
Ans: c) The
Peninsular War
Q9. How many
volumes was the history of the Peninsular War?
a) Ten
b) Twelve
c) Fifteen
d) Twenty
Ans: c) Fifteen
Q10. What income
did Hughie live on?
a) £500 per year
b) £200 per year
c) £100 per year
d) £1000 per year
Ans: b) £200 per
year
Q11. Who gave
Hughie this income?
a) His father
b) His friend
c) His aunt
d) The Colonel
Ans: c) His aunt
Q12. Why did
Hughie fail at the Stock Exchange?
a) He was
dishonest
b) He was like a
butterfly among bulls and bears
c) He had no money
to invest
d) He disliked
numbers
Ans: b) He was
like a butterfly among bulls and bears
Q13. What goods
did Hughie try to sell as a merchant?
a) Spices and
coffee
b) Sugar and cocoa
c) Sherry and tea
d) Rice and cotton
Ans: c) Sherry and
tea
Q14. What kind of
man did Hughie eventually become?
a) Rich and clever
b) Delightful but
ineffectual
c) Bitter and
angry
d) Intelligent but
poor
Ans: b) Delightful
but ineffectual
Q15. Who was Laura
Merton?
a) A wealthy
heiress
b) The daughter of
a Colonel
c) Hughie’s cousin
d) An actress
Ans: b) The
daughter of a Colonel
Q16. Where had
Laura’s father served?
a) Africa
b) America
c) India
d) France
Ans: c) India
Q17. What two
things had the Colonel lost in India?
a) His health and
money
b) His land and
honour
c) His temper and
digestion
d) His position
and pension
Ans: c) His temper
and digestion
Q18. How did
Hughie feel about Laura?
a) He adored her
b) He ignored her
c) He respected
her only
d) He disliked her
family
Ans: a) He adored
her
Q19. What
financial condition did the Colonel demand for Hughie to marry Laura?
a) To own land
b) To get £10,000
c) To become a
soldier
d) To inherit his
aunt’s property
Ans: b) To get
£10,000
Q20. How were
Hughie and Laura described as a couple?
a) Handsomest in
London but poor
b) Richest in
London but quarrelsome
Who Said & Who
To Whom”?
1. “Unless one is
wealthy there is no use in being a charming fellow.”
Who said this? Ans.
The narrator (Oscar Wilde).
2. “Romance is the
privilege of the rich, not the profession of the unemployed.”
Who said this? Ans.
The narrator.
3. “The poor
should be practical and prosaic.”
Who said this? Ans.
The narrator.
4. “It is better
to have a permanent income than to be fascinating.”
Who said this? Ans.
The narrator.
5. “These are the
great truths of modern life which Hughie Erskine never realised.”
Who said this? Ans.
The narrator.
6. “Come to me, my
boy, when you have got ten thousand pounds of your own, and we will see about
it.”
Who said this? Ans.
Colonel Merton.
7. “Come to me, my
boy, when you have got ten thousand pounds of your own, and we will see about
it.”
Who said this to
whom? Ans. Colonel Merton said this to Hughie Erskine.
8. “Poor Hughie!”
Who said this? Ans.
The narrator.
9.
“Intellectually, we must admit, he was not of much importance.”
Who said this? Ans.
The narrator.
10. “He had every
accomplishment except that of making money.”
Who said this? Ans.
The narrator.
11. “What was a
butterfly to do among bulls and bears?”
Who said this?
Ans. The narrator.
12. “They were the
handsomest couple in London, and had not a penny-piece between them.”
Who said this? Ans.
The narrator.
One-Mark Questions
1. Who is the
author of The Model Millionaire?
Oscar Wilde.
2. Who is the hero
of the story?
Hughie Erskine.
3. Who was Hughie
in love with?
Laura Merton.
4. What was
Hughie’s financial condition?
He was poor and
unemployed.
5. What was
Colonel Merton’s condition for Hughie’s marriage?
Hughie must have
£10,000 of his own.
6. Who was Alan
Trevor?
A painter and
Hughie’s friend.
7. What was Trevor
painting when Hughie visited him?
A beggar-man’s
portrait.
8. How did Hughie
feel when he saw the beggar?
He felt pity and
sympathy.
9. What did Hughie
give to the beggar?
A sovereign (gold
coin).
10. What was the
beggar actually?
A millionaire in
disguise.
11. What was the
millionaire’s name?
Baron Hausberg.
12. How much money
did Baron Hausberg gift Hughie?
£10,000.
13. Why did Baron
Hausberg gift Hughie money?
As a wedding
present for his kindness.
14. What was
Hughie’s only asset, according to the author?
His good looks.
15. How did Laura
feel about Hughie’s poverty?
She loved him
truly despite it.
16. What kind of
man was Colonel Merton?
A retired colonel,
practical and materialistic.
17. Why did Trevor
laugh after Hughie left?
Because the beggar
was actually a millionaire.
18. What is the
central theme of the story?
Generosity and
reward for kindness.
19. What quality
of Hughie makes him admirable?
His compassion for
the poor.
20. What kind of
ending does the story have?
A happy and
surprising ending.
Two-Mark Questions
1. Why was Hughie
considered unsuccessful in life?
Hughie Erskine was
charming and handsome but lacked money and a permanent profession. He failed in
business and law, living on a small allowance. Society valued wealth, not
looks, so he was seen as a failure. His poverty also delayed his marriage to
Laura.
2. Describe Hughie
and Laura’s love story.
Hughie loved Laura
Merton deeply. She too loved him, but her father, Colonel Merton, refused their
marriage unless Hughie had £10,000 of his own. Their romance faced financial
obstacles, but Hughie’s goodness and later Baron Hausberg’s generosity helped them
unite happily in the end.
3. Who was Alan
Trevor and how was he connected to Hughie?
Alan Trevor was a
talented painter, rough in looks but kind-hearted. He was Hughie’s close
friend. Hughie often visited him at his studio. It was Trevor’s painting of a
beggar that accidentally introduced Hughie to Baron Hausberg, the disguised
millionaire, changing Hughie’s life forever.
4. Why did Hughie
feel sorry for the beggar?
Hughie saw the
beggar dressed in torn clothes, shivering with misery, while Trevor painted
him. Though Hughie himself was poor, his kind heart moved him to pity.
Believing the beggar to be truly needy, Hughie gave him his last sovereign
selflessly, showing genuine compassion.
5. What was the
irony in Hughie’s act of charity?
Hughie believed he
was helping a poor beggar by giving a sovereign. Ironically, the man was not
poor but Baron Hausberg, one of the richest men in London. Instead of losing
money, Hughie’s generous act brought him a fortune and fulfilled his marriage
dream.
6. How did Alan
Trevor react when Hughie gave money to the beggar?
Trevor found
Hughie’s kindness amusing. Later, he revealed the shocking truth—that the
beggar was Baron Hausberg, a millionaire. Trevor admired Hughie’s good nature
but teased him for giving money when he himself was struggling financially. He
also became the medium of Hughie’s happy fortune.
7. What qualities
of Hughie impressed Baron Hausberg?
Baron Hausberg was
impressed by Hughie’s generosity, innocence, and willingness to help a supposed
beggar despite being poor himself. Hughie’s selfless act showed a noble heart,
which moved the millionaire deeply. As a result, Hausberg rewarded Hughie with
£10,000, making his marriage possible.
8. What lesson
does Oscar Wilde convey through this story?
Wilde conveys that
true wealth lies not in money but in kindness, love, and generosity. Hughie’s
noble act, though small, won him a fortune and happiness. The story shows that
genuine compassion never goes unrewarded and contrasts materialistic values with
humane virtues.
9. Why is the
story titled The Model Millionaire?
The title is
ironic. A real millionaire is usually selfish or proud, but Baron Hausberg is
generous and humble. By rewarding Hughie, he becomes the true “model”
millionaire. The title also suggests that wealth is meaningful only when
combined with kindness and humanity.
10. How did
Hughie’s life change after meeting the beggar?
Hughie’s small act
of kindness unknowingly touched a millionaire in disguise. Baron Hausberg
gifted him £10,000, fulfilling Colonel Merton’s condition. This transformed
Hughie’s fortunes, enabling him to marry Laura. The incident changed his life
from hopeless poverty to happiness, love, and financial security.
Three-Mark
Questions
1. Give a
character sketch of Hughie Erskine.
Hughie Erskine was
handsome, charming, and kind-hearted but poor and unemployed. He lacked worldly
success, yet his compassion made him admirable. Despite his poverty, he gave
money to a beggar, showing selflessness. He was deeply in love with Laura and loyal
to her. Though society mocked his uselessness, Hughie’s generosity won the
admiration of Baron Hausberg, who rewarded him. Thus, Hughie represents
goodness of heart, proving that true wealth lies in character, not possessions.
2. How does Wilde
use irony in the story?
Wilde’s story is
filled with irony. First, Hughie is called a failure though he possesses rare
kindness. Second, the “beggar” is ironically a millionaire. Third, Hughie, who
had little to spare, gave charity, and in return received a fortune. Lastly,
the so-called useless Hughie won happiness, while the wealthy admired him.
Wilde uses these ironies humorously and morally to highlight that appearances
deceive, and generosity is more rewarding than wealth or social status.
3. Explain the
role of Baron Hausberg in the story.
Baron Hausberg,
one of the richest men in London, disguises himself as a beggar for Trevor’s
painting. He silently observes Hughie’s kind heart when Hughie gives him money.
Deeply impressed, he gifts Hughie £10,000, solving his financial and romantic
problems. Unlike typical rich men, Baron is humble, generous, and
compassionate. He uses his wealth to reward goodness. His role transforms the
story into a tale of justice, kindness, and happy reward, making him the
“model” millionaire.
4. What message
does Wilde want to convey through The Model Millionaire?
Wilde conveys that
true value lies not in wealth but in kindness and love. Hughie, though poor, is
noble at heart and is rewarded for his generosity. The story also critiques a
materialistic society that values money over humanity. By presenting Baron Hausberg
as a generous millionaire, Wilde contrasts true nobility with false
appearances. Ultimately, the message is that compassion and goodness always
triumph, making life meaningful, whereas mere wealth without kindness is
incomplete.
5. Why is the
ending of the story memorable?
The story ends
with a surprising and joyful twist. Hughie, who gave away his last sovereign in
pity, unexpectedly receives £10,000 from Baron Hausberg, the supposed beggar.
This fortune allows him to marry Laura. The ending is memorable for its irony,
poetic justice, and emotional satisfaction. It highlights that generosity never
goes unrewarded. Readers are delighted to see the poor but kind Hughie achieve
happiness. Wilde combines humour, irony, and moral teaching, making the ending
remarkable.
Extract 1
“Unless one is
wealthy there is no use in being a charming fellow. Romance is the privilege of
the rich, not the profession of the unemployed. The poor should be practical
and prosaic. It is better to have a permanent income than to be fascinating.”
Q1. Who speaks
these words and what do they imply?
These are the
narrator’s ironic observations at the beginning of the story. They suggest that
in society, charm and romance are appreciated only when accompanied by wealth.
The poor, however attractive or good-natured, cannot afford luxuries like
romance. Instead, they must be practical, secure, and financially stable. Wilde
mocks materialistic society, which values income more than character. This
remark sets the stage for Hughie’s struggles and contrasts outer charm with the
harsh reality of poverty.
Q2. How do these
lines relate to Hughie Erskine?
Hughie Erskine is
charming, handsome, and good-hearted but lacks money and a profession. Society,
including Colonel Merton, considers him unsuitable for marriage because of his
financial condition. These lines sum up Hughie’s plight: his looks and charm do
not help him in life. Wilde uses this contrast to highlight how society
unfairly values wealth over human goodness, making Hughie’s eventual reward
both ironic and poetic.
Q3. What theme of
the story is introduced here?
The passage
introduces the theme of wealth versus character. It shows how society places
wealth above personal virtues, beauty, or charm. This sets the central
conflict: Hughie, though morally rich, is socially poor. Later, his kindness
brings him unexpected wealth, suggesting that goodness ultimately outweighs
materialistic values. Wilde criticizes society’s shallow standards through
satire while preparing the ground for Hughie’s transformation from poor lover
to prosperous bridegroom.
Q4. How does
Wilde’s tone in these lines show his wit?
Wilde uses witty,
paradoxical statements to expose society’s materialism. Saying “It is better to
have a permanent income than to be fascinating” is humorous but also biting. It
reflects his trademark style: mocking serious truths through clever phrasing.
The irony lies in calling romance a “privilege” of the rich, as if love itself
were for sale. Wilde entertains while also criticizing the snobbery of
Victorian society.
Q5. Why are these
lines important for understanding the story?
These lines
establish the story’s satirical background and Hughie’s central problem:
poverty. Without money, Hughie cannot marry Laura despite his virtues. Readers
immediately understand that wealth is valued above goodness in his world. This
makes Hughie’s act of kindness later more significant, as it challenges these
ideas. Ultimately, the story proves these lines wrong by rewarding Hughie’s
compassion, making the opening both ironic and meaningful.
Extract 2
“When Hughie came
in, he found Trevor putting the finishing touches to a wonderful life-sized
picture of a beggar-man. The beggar himself stood on a raised platform in a
corner of the studio. He was a wizened old man in a patched coat, with a
battered hat in one hand and a stick in the other.”
Q1. What was
Trevor painting when Hughie arrived?
Trevor was
painting the portrait of a beggar-man. The picture was life-sized and
realistic. Trevor, being a talented painter, had skilfully captured the misery
and poverty of the model. Hughie was immediately struck by the beggar’s
appearance, which seemed pitiful and sorrowful. This scene sets up the turning
point of the story, because Hughie mistakes Baron Hausberg, the disguised
millionaire, for an actual poor man.
Q2. How is the
beggar described here?
The beggar is
described as wizened, meaning old and shrunken, wearing a patched coat and
holding a battered hat. He also carried a stick, completing the image of misery
and poverty. The vivid description highlights the contrast between appearances
and reality. Though he looked poor, the man was Baron Hausberg, one of the
richest men in London. Wilde deliberately presents him as pitiful to create
later irony.
Q3. Why did Hughie
feel sorry for the beggar?
Hughie had a
compassionate heart. Seeing the beggar’s ragged clothes and tired expression,
he immediately pitied him. Though Hughie himself was poor, he could not resist
helping. His sympathy was genuine, not forced. This moment shows his noble
nature. Ironically, the “beggar” was not in need of money at all but was a
wealthy millionaire in disguise, which makes Hughie’s act both comic and
touching.
Q4. How is this
description an example of irony?
The irony lies in
the contrast between appearance and reality. The beggar looks poor, miserable,
and dependent, but in truth he is extremely wealthy. Hughie believes he is
helping a helpless man, while in reality he is impressing a millionaire. Wilde
uses situational irony here, because the audience later realizes that Hughie’s
act of charity was unnecessary but highly rewarding. This twist gives the story
its humour and moral lesson.
Q5. What role does
this scene play in the story?
This scene is the
turning point of the story. It brings Hughie face to face with the disguised
Baron Hausberg, allowing Hughie’s kindness to be tested. Without this incident,
Hughie’s fortune would not change. The beggar’s disguise creates the central irony
and ultimately provides Hughie the reward that changes his life. It also
reinforces Wilde’s theme that true worth lies in character, not appearance or
wealth.
Extract 3
“Poor old chap,
how miserable he looks! But I have got heaps of old clothes at home—do you
think he would care for any of them? Why, he looks as if he hadn’t a decent rag
to his back.”
Q1. Who is the
speaker and why does he pity the beggar?
The speaker is
Hughie Erskine. He pities the beggar because the man appears ragged, old, and
miserable. Hughie’s natural kindness makes him worry about the beggar’s lack of
clothes and comfort. Even though Hughie himself is poor, he instinctively
thinks of helping. This shows his selflessness and gentle nature, which later
impress Baron Hausberg. Wilde emphasizes Hughie’s genuine compassion despite
his financial struggles.
Q2. What does
Hughie’s reaction tell us about his character?
Hughie’s reaction
reveals his soft heart, generosity, and empathy. Unlike many people who ignore
beggars, he is concerned about the man’s comfort and dignity. His suggestion of
giving old clothes shows his thoughtfulness. This moment is important because
it highlights Hughie’s true wealth—his kindness. Even though he had little, he
was willing to share, which contrasts sharply with society’s selfishness and
materialism.
Q3. How does
Trevor respond to Hughie’s sympathy?
Trevor laughs at
Hughie’s concern, because he knows the beggar is actually Baron Hausberg, a
millionaire. To Trevor, Hughie’s compassion is amusingly misplaced, but he also
admires his friend’s good heart. Trevor’s laughter adds humour to the story
while foreshadowing the revelation that the beggar is not poor at all. This
exchange builds suspense and irony, preparing readers for the dramatic twist
later.
Q4. Why is this
incident central to the story’s moral?
This incident
demonstrates that true kindness comes from the heart, not from wealth. Hughie,
though poor, feels pity and offers to help, while society’s rich often ignore
the suffering of others. Wilde shows that generosity is not measured by the
amount given but by the willingness to give. This moral shines when Baron
Hausberg, impressed by Hughie’s small act, rewards him greatly.
Q5. What literary
device is Wilde using in this passage?
Wilde uses
dramatic irony—the audience later learns that the beggar is actually a
millionaire, but Hughie does not know this yet. His pity and offer of help are
genuine but misdirected. Wilde also uses contrast, showing a poor man trying to
help someone who appears poorer. The device adds humour, suspense, and moral
weight to the story, making this passage central to its theme.
Extract 4
“My dear boy, that
old beggar you saw today in my studio is neither more nor less than Baron
Hausberg. He is one of the richest men in Europe.”
Q1. Who says these
words and to whom?
These words are
spoken by Alan Trevor to Hughie Erskine. Hughie had just given a sovereign to
the supposed beggar in Trevor’s studio. Later, Trevor reveals the shocking
truth—that the beggar was actually Baron Hausberg, a millionaire. This
revelation creates surprise, humour, and irony, completely changing Hughie’s
understanding of the situation.
Q2. Why does this
revelation shock Hughie?
Hughie had thought
he was helping a poor man in misery by giving him his last sovereign. When
Trevor revealed that the beggar was one of the richest men in Europe, Hughie
was embarrassed and shocked. He realized he had acted innocently but
mistakenly. This irony highlights Wilde’s theme that appearances are deceptive,
and true wealth lies not in possessions but in generosity.
Q3. What qualities
of Baron Hausberg are revealed later?
Although Baron
Hausberg is extremely wealthy, he is also kind, generous, and humble. He
disguises himself for a painting without hesitation and later rewards Hughie’s
compassion with £10,000. Unlike other rich men, he uses his fortune to
encourage goodness. Wilde presents him as the “model millionaire,” proving that
wealth can be meaningful when combined with humanity and generosity.
Q4. How does this
twist affect the story’s outcome?
This twist is the
climax of the story. The revelation transforms Hughie’s small act of kindness
into the cause of his fortune. Without it, he could not have married Laura. The
twist adds humour and surprise but also poetic justice: Hughie’s generosity is
rewarded far beyond expectation. Wilde’s use of irony here makes the ending
memorable, uplifting, and moralistic.
Q5. Why is this
passage crucial to Wilde’s theme?
This passage is
crucial because it embodies Wilde’s central theme: appearances deceive, but
genuine kindness always shines through. Hughie’s selfless act towards a
supposed beggar reaches the heart of a millionaire, changing his life. Wilde
contrasts social materialism with moral wealth, showing that generosity and
love are far more important than riches. This revelation drives home the
story’s lesson with wit and irony.
Extract 5
“A wedding present
to Hughie Erskine and Laura Merton from an old beggar.”
Q1. What does this
line refer to?
This line refers
to Baron Hausberg’s generous gift of £10,000 to Hughie and Laura. He presents
it as a wedding present, signing it humorously as “from an old beggar.” The
phrase reminds Hughie of his earlier act of charity, which had unknowingly
touched the millionaire’s heart. It is both a joke and a blessing, making the
gift more memorable and symbolic.
Q2. How does this
gift change Hughie’s life?
The gift of
£10,000 fulfilled Colonel Merton’s demand for Hughie’s financial stability.
Without this, Hughie could not have married Laura. It transformed Hughie’s life
from poverty and hopelessness to happiness and security. The gift also
symbolized the reward for Hughie’s generosity. Thus, the wedding present was
not only material but also moral recognition of Hughie’s goodness.
Q3. Why does Baron
Hausberg call himself an “old beggar”?
Baron Hausberg
jokingly calls himself an “old beggar” because Hughie had mistaken him for one
earlier in Trevor’s studio. The phrase adds humour and irony to the situation.
It also reflects the Baron’s humility—despite being a millionaire, he enjoys
being remembered in this playful way. The phrase captures Wilde’s wit while
symbolizing the contrast between appearance and reality in the story.
Q4. What does this
incident reveal about Baron Hausberg’s character?
This incident
shows Baron Hausberg’s generosity, sense of humour, and humility. Instead of
being offended at being mistaken for a beggar, he rewards Hughie’s kindness. By
signing the cheque as “an old beggar,” he proves that he values goodness over
pride. Wilde portrays him as the true “model millionaire,” a rich man who uses
his wealth to encourage virtue and happiness in others.
Q5. How does this
ending highlight the story’s message?
The ending
highlights the story’s moral lesson that true wealth lies in generosity.
Hughie’s small act of kindness returns to him as a life-changing reward. Wilde
combines humour, irony, and poetic justice in this conclusion. By making a
millionaire call himself a beggar, Wilde underlines the idea that appearances
deceive but goodness never fails. The ending leaves readers amused, touched,
and morally satisfied.
Model Millionaire, page 89:
Part 1, Passage 2,
One morning, as he was on his way to Holland Park ……………………………..…. A living Velasquez! My stars! what an etching Rembrandt would have made of him!’
Glossary
Glum – sad,
depressed, gloomy.
Consolation –
comfort received after disappointment.
Dropped in –
visited casually without formal appointment.
Holland Park – a
fashionable area in London where many artists and wealthy people lived.
Rare fellow –
uncommon or unusual type of person.
Freckled face –
skin covered with small light-brown spots.
Ragged beard –
rough, untidy beard.
Real master –
someone extremely skilled at an art.
Eagerly sought
after – very much in demand.
Attracted – drawn
to someone because of charm, beauty, or personality.
Personal charm –
pleasing and attractive manner or appearance.
Artistic pleasure
– delight or satisfaction to the eye because of beauty.
Intellectual
repose – peace of mind and relaxation from good conversation.
Dandies –
fashionable men who are careful about appearance and style.
Darlings –
charming and attractive women.
Permanent entrée –
permanent right of entry, welcome access.
Life-size picture
– painting of the same size as the real person.
Wizened –
shrivelled or wrinkled due to age.
Wrinkled parchment
– thin, crinkled skin resembling old paper.
Piteous expression
– sorrowful or pathetic look.
Tears and tatters
– torn and ragged clothing.
Patched and
cobbled – repaired many times, showing poverty.
Alms – charity
given to the poor.
Battered hat –
old, worn-out hat.
Amazing model –
extraordinary person chosen for painting.
Living Velasquez –
a comparison to Diego Velasquez, the famous Spanish painter of realism.
Etching – a print
made by carving lines on a metal plate; a common art form in Rembrandt’s time.
My stars! –
exclamation of amazement or surprise.
Paraphrase
Hughie Erskine,
being poor and unsuccessful, often felt gloomy in those days and sought comfort
from his beloved Laura. One morning, as he was walking near the place where the
Mertons lived, he decided to drop in on his friend Alan Trevor. Trevor was a painter,
living in Holland Park, and though he looked rough with freckles and a ragged
red beard, he was an artistic genius whose paintings were in great demand.
At first, Trevor
had liked Hughie only because of his handsome appearance and charming manner,
since he believed artists should surround themselves with beautiful people who
are delightful to look at and pleasant to talk with. He often remarked that
fashionable men and charming women rule the world, or at least should rule it.
Later, however, Trevor came to appreciate Hughie’s cheerful personality and
generous spirit, and gave him the privilege of visiting his studio freely.
When Hughie
entered the studio that day, Trevor was finishing a remarkable life-sized
painting of a beggar. The beggar himself was present, standing on a platform,
looking old, thin, and wrinkled like dried parchment, with a sorrowful
expression. He wore a shabby brown cloak full of holes, patched boots, and
leaned on a stick while holding out his torn hat for charity.
Hughie whispered
in amazement about the realism of the model. But Trevor, shouting excitedly,
declared that the beggar was indeed an extraordinary model, worthy of being
compared to Velasquez or Rembrandt, the great masters of art.
MCQs
Q1. Why did Hughie
look glum in those days?
a) He was sick
b) He was poor and
hopeless in career
c) He was rich but
bored
d) He disliked
Trevor
Ans: b) He was
poor and hopeless in career
Q2. Whom did
Hughie seek for consolation?
a) Trevor
b) Laura
c) The beggar
d) His parents
Ans: b) Laura
Q3. Where did Alan
Trevor live?
a) Oxford Street
b) Holland Park
c) Kensington
Gardens
d) Piccadilly
Ans: b) Holland
Park
Q4. What was
Trevor’s profession?
a) Poet
b) Sculptor
c) Painter
d) Musician
Ans: c) Painter
Q5. How was Trevor
described physically?
a) Handsome with
golden hair
b) Strange,
freckled, with a ragged red beard
c) Short and fat
d) Tall and bald
Ans: b) Strange,
freckled, with a ragged red beard
Q6. Despite his
rough looks, Trevor was a ___.
a) Philosopher
b) Real master
painter
c) Rich merchant
d) Writer
Ans: b) Real
master painter
Q7. What first
attracted Trevor to Hughie?
a) His wealth
b) His generosity
c) His personal
charm and good looks
d) His wit
Ans: c) His
personal charm and good looks
Q8. According to
Trevor, who should a painter know?
a) Only family
members
b) People who are
beautiful and pleasing
c) Only rich
patrons
d) Only fellow
painters
Ans: b) People who
are beautiful and pleasing
Q9. Who, according
to Trevor, rule the world?
a) Beggars and
workers
b) Dandies and
darlings
c) Artists and
scientists
d) Politicians
Ans: b) Dandies
and darlings
Q10. What kind of
access did Trevor grant Hughie?
a) Occasional
invitation
b) No access at
all
c) Permanent
entrée to his studio
d) Secret access
only
Ans: c) Permanent
entrée to his studio
Q11. What was
Trevor painting when Hughie entered?
a) A rich merchant
b) A life-size
picture of a beggar
c) A portrait of
Laura
d) A picture of
Hughie
Ans: b) A
life-size picture of a beggar
Q12. How was the
beggar described?
a) Strong and
youthful
b) Old, wizened,
wrinkled, sorrowful
c) Cheerful and
smiling
d) Richly dressed
Ans: b) Old,
wizened, wrinkled, sorrowful
Q13. What cloak
did the beggar wear?
a) A fine silk
robe
b) A coarse brown
cloak, torn and ragged
c) A soldier’s
uniform
d) A woollen shawl
Ans: b) A coarse
brown cloak, torn and ragged
Q14. What kind of
boots did he have?
a) Brand new
b) Patched and
cobbled
c) Shining leather
d) Wooden
Ans: b) Patched
and cobbled
Q15. What did the
beggar hold in one hand?
a) A golden staff
b) A rough stick
c) A painting
brush
d) A scroll
Ans: b) A rough
stick
Q16. What did he
hold in the other hand?
a) A lantern
b) A battered hat
for alms
c) A beggar’s bowl
d) Nothing
Ans: b) A battered
hat for alms
Q17. What was
Hughie’s first reaction to the beggar?
a) He pitied him
b) He called him
amazing
c) He ignored him
d) He mocked him
Ans: b) He called
him amazing
Q18. How did
Trevor respond to Hughie’s remark?
a) He laughed
b) He shouted
excitedly
c) He scolded
Hughie
d) He stayed
silent
Ans: b) He shouted
excitedly
Q19. To whom did
Trevor compare the beggar as a model?
a) Michelangelo
b) Shakespeare
c) Velasquez
d) Byron
Ans: c) Velasquez
Q20. Whose etching
did Trevor wish for the beggar?
a) Picasso’s
b) Rembrandt’s
c) Raphael’s
d) Da Vinci’s
Ans: b)
Rembrandt’s
Who Said Or Who
Said To Whom?
Q1. Who is the author of The Model Millionaire?
Ans. Oscar Wilde.
Q2. “The only people a painter should know are
people who are bête and beautiful, people who are an artistic pleasure to look
at and an intellectual repose to talk to.” Who said this?
Ans. Alan Trevor.
Q3. “Men who are dandies and women who are darlings
rule the world, at least they should do so.” Who said this?
Ans. Alan Trevor.
Q4. “What an amazing model!” Who said this to whom?
Ans. Hughie Erskine said this to Alan Trevor.
Q5. “An amazing model?” Who said this to whom?
Ans. Alan Trevor said this to Hughie Erskine.
Q6. “Such beggars as he are not to be met with
every day. A living Velasquez!” Who said this?
Ans. Alan Trevor.
Q7. “My stars! what an etching Rembrandt would have
made of him!” Who said this?
Ans. Alan Trevor.
One-Mark Questions
Q1. Who is the
author of The Model Millionaire?
Ans. Oscar Wilde.
Q2. What was
Hughie Erskine’s chief problem in life?
Ans. He had no
money or profession.
Q3. Who was Hughie
in love with?
Ans. Laura Merton.
Q4. Who was
Laura’s father?
Ans. Colonel
Merton.
Q5. What condition
did Colonel Merton set for Hughie’s marriage to Laura?
Ans. Hughie must
have ten thousand pounds of his own.
Q6. Who was
Hughie’s close friend?
Ans. Alan Trevor,
the painter.
Q7. How is Alan
Trevor described?
Ans. A brilliant
but eccentric painter.
Q8. Whom did
Trevor paint as a beggar?
Ans. Baron
Hausberg, a millionaire in disguise.
Q9. What did
Hughie give the beggar out of pity?
Ans. A sovereign
(gold coin).
Q10. How much was
Hughie’s allowance?
Ans. Two hundred
pounds a year.
Q11. What was
Baron Hausberg’s profession?
Ans. A wealthy
businessman/financier.
Q12. How did
Hughie view art?
Ans. He loved
pictures but could not afford them.
Q13. Who brought
the message of gift to Hughie?
Ans. A messenger
from Baron Hausberg.
Q14. What gift did
Hughie receive from Baron Hausberg?
Ans. A cheque for
ten thousand pounds.
Q15. Why did the
Baron give Hughie the cheque?
Ans. To reward his
kindness and generosity.
Q16. What quality
made Hughie admired by friends?
Ans. His good
looks and charm.
Q17. Why did
Hughie consider himself unlucky?
Ans. Because he
was poor despite being good-looking.
Q18. What kind of
heart did Hughie have?
Ans. A tender and
compassionate heart.
Q19. Who finally
allowed Hughie to marry Laura?
Ans. Colonel
Merton, after Hughie got money.
Q20. What is the
main moral of the story?
Ans. True wealth
lies in kindness, not riches.
Two-Mark Questions
Q1. Why could
Hughie not marry Laura at once?
Hughie loved Laura
deeply, but Colonel Merton, her father, insisted that he could not allow their
marriage until Hughie had ten thousand pounds of his own. Being poor and
without any permanent profession, Hughie found this condition impossible to
meet, which delayed their union.
Q2. What shows
Hughie’s generosity in the story?
Hughie was deeply
touched by the miserable condition of the beggar-model posing for Alan Trevor’s
painting. Forgetting his own poverty, he impulsively gave the man his last
sovereign out of pity. This selfless act, done without expecting any return,
revealed Hughie’s natural kindness and generosity of spirit.
Q3. Describe Alan
Trevor’s personality.
Alan Trevor was a
talented painter, admired for his skills. He was eccentric, outspoken, and
sometimes careless in speech, but he had a kind heart. He loved Hughie dearly,
often teasing him about his poverty yet respecting his honesty and good looks.
He also admired Hughie’s compassion.
Q4. Why was Hughie
called “a delightful fellow”?
Hughie was
extremely good-looking, cheerful, and charming. Though poor and impractical, he
was loved by everyone for his generous heart. He was not clever or wealthy, yet
his pleasant manners and kind nature won him friends easily. People admired his
sincerity and the warmth of his personality.
Q5. What role does
Baron Hausberg play in the story?
Baron Hausberg,
one of the richest men in London, disguised himself as a beggar for Trevor’s
painting. He was touched by Hughie’s generosity when Hughie gave him a
sovereign. Out of admiration for Hughie’s compassion, he later gifted him ten
thousand pounds, enabling Hughie to marry Laura.
Q6. How does the
story end happily?
The story
concludes with Baron Hausberg sending Hughie a cheque for ten thousand pounds,
the exact sum demanded by Colonel Merton. This sudden generosity removed the
barrier to Hughie’s marriage. With joy and gratitude, Hughie married Laura,
proving that kindness and goodness eventually bring true happiness.
Q7. What contrast
does Wilde create between Hughie and Hausberg?
Oscar Wilde
contrasts Hughie, a poor but generous young man, with Baron Hausberg, a
millionaire who often lent money to states and governments. Yet, despite his
wealth, the Baron admired Hughie’s small act of kindness more than riches,
showing that humanity is greater than material possessions.
Q8. Why was Trevor
astonished at Hughie’s action?
Trevor was amazed
when Hughie gave his only sovereign to the beggar-model. Knowing Hughie’s
poverty, Trevor thought it unwise. Later, he laughed when he revealed the
“beggar” was actually Baron Hausberg, one of the richest men in London, and
admired Hughie’s innocent generosity.
Q9. What does the
sovereign symbolize in the story?
The sovereign
symbolizes Hughie’s selfless compassion. Though poor, he gave away his last
coin to help a stranger in need. Ironically, this small act of kindness brought
him great fortune, proving that even the smallest good deed can result in
unexpected blessings and life-changing rewards.
Q10. How is
Wilde’s humour reflected in the story?
Oscar Wilde blends
humour with irony throughout the story. Hughie, a poor young man, gives charity
to a “beggar” who turns out to be a millionaire. The comic twist lies in this
irony, as Hughie’s kindness is rewarded beyond imagination, highlighting Wilde’s
witty storytelling style.
Three-Mark
Questions
Q1. Discuss the
irony in The Model Millionaire.
The greatest irony
of the story is that Hughie, a poor man, gives alms to a beggar who is actually
a millionaire in disguise. He pities a person far richer than himself, without
knowing the truth. Ironically, his small act of kindness earns him the exact
amount of money he needed for marriage. Wilde uses this situational irony not
only to amuse readers but also to underline the value of generosity and the
unpredictability of life.
Q2. How does Oscar
Wilde present the theme of love in the story?
Love forms the
backbone of the story. Hughie’s deep affection for Laura motivates his
struggles, though he is poor and lacks a profession. Laura’s father disapproves
because Hughie has no wealth, highlighting society’s materialistic outlook.
However, Baron Hausberg’s intervention removes the financial barrier. Wilde
emphasizes that true love, supported by kindness and sincerity, ultimately
triumphs over worldly obstacles, making the story a celebration of genuine
human values over social expectations.
Q3. Describe the
character of Hughie Erskine.
Hughie Erskine is
portrayed as handsome, charming, and kind-hearted but impractical in worldly
matters. He has no profession or wealth, which makes him dependent on others.
Despite his poverty, he is generous, as seen when he gives a sovereign to a
beggar. This unselfish act later transforms his life. Hughie symbolizes true
humanity—valuing compassion over riches. His good looks, simplicity, and
sincerity make him lovable, and ultimately, fate rewards his kind nature with
wealth and happiness.
Q4. What lesson
does The Model Millionaire teach us?
Oscar Wilde’s
story conveys that real wealth lies not in money but in kindness and humanity.
Hughie, though poor, wins admiration because of his generous and loving nature.
The story shows that society often values riches, but it is character that
makes a person truly rich. Baron Hausberg’s generous gift highlights that
goodness is always recognized and rewarded. Thus, Wilde teaches that compassion
and selflessness are more valuable than material wealth, giving the tale a
moral foundation.
Q5. Explain how
Wilde blends humour and morality in the story.
Oscar Wilde
combines light humour with a moral lesson in The Model Millionaire. The comic
twist comes when Hughie unknowingly gives money to one of the richest men in
Europe, mistaking him for a beggar. The irony amuses readers while also
delivering a moral truth: generosity is priceless. Wilde avoids preaching
directly but subtly demonstrates that kindness brings unexpected rewards. His
witty narration, amusing characters, and the surprising ending create both
laughter and reflection, making the story memorable.
Extract 1
"Hughie
looked very glum on those days, and had to go to Laura for consolation."
Q1. Why was Hughie
looking glum in those days?
Ans: He was
worried about his poor financial condition and his inability to marry Laura
without sufficient wealth.
Q2. Whom did he go
to for comfort?
Ans: He went to
Laura, his beloved, for consolation.
Q3. What does the
word ‘glum’ mean here?
Ans: ‘Glum’ means
sad, gloomy, or depressed.
Q4. What does this
sentence show about Hughie’s character?
Ans: It shows that
Hughie was sensitive and often needed emotional support in times of trouble.
Q5. How did Laura
usually treat Hughie in such situations?
Ans: Laura
comforted Hughie with her love and understanding, giving him strength to face
hardships.
Extract 2
"Trevor was a
painter, but he was also an artist, and personally he was a strange rough
fellow, with a freckled face and a ragged red beard."
Q1. Who was
Trevor?
Ans: Trevor was a
painter and a close friend of Hughie.
Q2. How is
Trevor’s physical appearance described?
Ans: He is
described as rough-looking, with a freckled face and a ragged red beard.
Q3. In spite of
his rough looks, what quality made him special?
Ans: He was a true
artistic genius whose paintings were highly valued.
Q4. What does this
description suggest about Trevor’s character?
Ans: It shows that
appearances can be deceptive—though rough outwardly, he was a refined artist
inwardly.
Extract 3
"The only
people a painter should know, he used to say, are people who are an artistic
pleasure to look at and an intellectual repose to talk to."
Q1. Who is the
speaker of these words?
Ans: Alan Trevor,
the painter, is the speaker.
Q2. According to
Trevor, what kind of people should a painter know?
Ans: A painter
should know beautiful people to look at and intelligent people to converse
with.
Q3. What does
‘intellectual repose’ mean here?
Ans: It means
peace and satisfaction that comes from meaningful and intelligent conversation.
Q4. What kind of
philosophy of life does Trevor reveal in this statement?
Ans: He values
beauty and intellect as essential qualities for artistic inspiration.
Q5. How did this
opinion influence his relationship with Hughie?
Ans: At first,
Trevor liked Hughie for his looks, but later he appreciated him for his
cheerful spirit and generous nature.
Extract 4
"He was a
wizened old man, with a face like wrinkled parchment, and a most piteous
expression."
Q1. Who is
described in this line?
Ans: The
beggar-man, who was posing as a model for Trevor’s painting, is described.
Q2. What does the
word ‘wizened’ mean?
Ans: It means
shrivelled, wrinkled, or aged.
Q3. How is the
beggar’s face compared to parchment?
Ans: His face was
dry, wrinkled, and folded like old parchment paper.
Q4. What kind of
expression did the beggar have?
Ans: He had a
pitiful and sorrowful expression.
Q5. Why was Trevor
painting this beggar?
Ans: Trevor was
painting him as a life-size subject for his artwork, capturing the true essence
of poverty.
Extract 5
"'What an
amazing model!' whispered Hughie, as he shook hands with his friend."
Q1. Who is
referred to as the model here?
Ans: The old
beggar-man posing in Trevor’s studio.
Q2. How did Hughie
react after seeing the beggar?
Ans: Hughie was
struck with amazement at the lifelike and sorrowful appearance of the beggar.
Q3. What tone did
Hughie use while speaking?
Ans: He whispered,
showing awe and admiration.
Q4. Why did Hughie
call the beggar an “amazing model”?
Ans: Because the
beggar looked so real, expressive, and perfect for Trevor’s painting.
Q5. How did Trevor
respond to Hughie’s remark?
Ans: Trevor loudly
agreed and compared the beggar to the works of great artists like Velasquez.
Compiled by Dr.
Shankar D Mishra, Sr. Lecturer in English
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