# Ch-7 The Model Millionaire

-OSCAR WILDE
I. APPLICATION BASED QUESTIONS-
i. How would you react if you were in Hughie Erskine’s place and
learned that the beggar you gave money to was actually a
millionaire?
Ans-If I were in Hughie Erskine's place and discovered that the beggar I
gave money to was actually a millionaire, my reaction would likely involve
a mix of surprise, embarrassment, and curiosity.
-At first, I would be shocked to realize that my kind gesture was directed
at someone far wealthier than myself. Similar to Hughie, I might feel
embarrassed because I had assumed the person needed help, when in
reality, they did not.
-However, I would also be curious to understand why the millionaire had
been posing as a beggar. This would lead me to reflect on how
appearances can be deceiving, just like in the story.
-In the end, I might feel proud of having acted generously without
expecting anything in return, and I would likely walk away with a valuable
lesson about kindness and assumptions.
ii. Hughie and Laura’s relationship faced challenges because of
financial issues. How relevant do you think this theme is in today's
world?
Ans-The theme of financial issues affecting relationships, as seen in
Hughie and Laura’s situation, is still highly relevant in today's world. In
many societies, financial stability plays a significant role in relationships,
especially when it comes to long-term commitments like marriage.
Economic pressures, such as the cost of living, education, and housing,
can cause stress for couples and affect their ability to move forward
together, just as Hughie’s lack of money delayed his ability to marry
Laura.
Today, the challenges might even be more complex with the rising cost of
living, student debt, and societal expectations around wealth and status.
In essence, while love remains central in relationships, financial stability
is often necessary for building a secure future.
iii. If you had to choose between love and money, what would
you prioritize and why?
Ans-If I had to choose between love and money, I would prioritize love.
While money can provide comfort, security, and opportunities, love brings
emotional fulfilment, connection, and a sense of purpose that money
alone cannot replace.
A life driven purely by financial gain may offer material wealth, but
without meaningful relationships and emotional bonds, it can feel empty.
Love fosters support, trust, and happiness, which are essential for
enduring life's challenges.
Ultimately, love and money aren’t mutually exclusive, but if forced to
choose, love would provide the foundation for a more fulfilling
and balanced life.
iv. How can looks be deceiving? Explain.
Ans-Here are a few ways looks can be deceiving:
-Someone who looks poor or unkempt might actually be very wealthy, like
in The Model Millionaire. On the flip side, someone who appears rich may
be struggling with financial problems.
-A quiet or shy person may seem unfriendly or unapproachable, but they
could actually be kind, thoughtful, and fun once you get to know them.
Conversely, someone who seems outgoing and friendly might not always
have the best intentions.
-People may judge others based on their looks and underestimate their
skills. For example, someone who appears less confident may turn out to
be highly talented in areas others wouldn't expect.
In short, looks can be misleading because they often don’t show the full
story of who someone is or what they’re going through. It's important not
to make assumptions based solely on appearances.
v. Baron Hausberg used his wealth to make a positive impact on
Hughie's life. If you had immense wealth, how would you use
it to help others?
Ans- If I had immense wealth, I would use it to help others in a way that
creates long-lasting, positive change. Here are a few things-
I believe that education is one of the most powerful ways to uplift
individuals and communities. I would invest in scholarships for
underprivileged students, build schools in areas with limited access to
education, and provide resources for teachers to enhance learning
environments. Education empowers people to break the cycle of poverty
and create better futures.
Access to healthcare is essential, yet many cannot afford proper
treatment. I would fund healthcare programs, particularly in underserved
regions, to provide free or affordable medical care, mental health
services, and emergency relief.
I would invest in local communities by funding projects like clean water
systems, housing for the homeless, and infrastructure improvements.
Creating job opportunities through sustainable businesses and providing
vocational training would also be a key focus.
Protecting the environment is crucial for future generations. I would
support environmental organizations working to combat climate
change, protect endangered species, and promote sustainable
practices in agriculture and energy. Additionally, I would fund
afforestation projects and clean energy initiatives to reduce the carbon
footprint.
My goal would be to make a meaningful and lasting impact, improving
both individual lives and society as a whole.
vi. The story portrays Baron Hausberg as a generous millionaire. In
today's world, do you think wealthy individuals have a
responsibility to help those who are less fortunate? Why or why
not?
Ans- Yes, I believe wealthy individuals do have a responsibility to help
those who are less fortunate
Moral Obligation: Wealthy individuals have the power to uplift others and
contribute to the common good. Helping those in need is often seen as a
moral responsibility—when you have more, you are in a better position to
give more. This doesn’t mean they have to give everything away, but
contributing to causes that help improve society is important.
Social Equity: Many people become wealthy due to opportunities that
society provides, such as education, infrastructure, and workforce
support. Giving back can help create a fairer system where more people
can access those opportunities, especially those who were not born into
privilege.
However, it’s also important that charitable efforts are done thoughtfully.
Simply giving away money without addressing root causes may not lead
to lasting solutions.
In conclusion, while it’s ultimately their choice, I do believe that wealthy
individuals have a responsibility to use their resources to help others, as
it can contribute to a more just and equitable world for everyone.
vii. What are the things you cannot do or purchase with money?
Ans-While money is a powerful tool that can help you acquire many
things, there are several things you cannot buy with it. Here are some of
the key examples:
True love and affection from others cannot be purchased. Meaningful
relationships are built on trust, care, and mutual understanding.
While money can buy temporary pleasures or comforts, long-lasting
happiness comes from inner fulfilment, purpose, and peace of mind.
You cannot buy more time. It is a limited resource, and how you choose to
spend it is more valuable than having more money.
While money can provide access to healthcare and a healthy lifestyle, it
cannot guarantee perfect health or prevent certain diseases.
True respect from others is earned through actions and character, not by
wealth.
These intangible qualities are essential for a meaningful and well-rounded
life but cannot be bought with money.
viii. What would you choose material gains or moral and spiritual
gains?
Ans-I would choose moral and spiritual gains because they offer-
Moral and spiritual gains bring long-lasting peace and contentment.
Trust, love, and respect are built on values, not money, fostering deeper
connections with others.
Living by strong morals gives life purpose and helps maintain integrity,
guiding decisions, and actions.
Moral and spiritual growth leaves a positive legacy.
ix. Explain the saying “a fool and his money are soon parted?”
Ans-The phrase "A fool and his money are soon parted" means that
people who lack wisdom, judgment, or financial responsibility will quickly
lose their money.
It highlights the idea that someone who is careless, easily tricked, or
makes poor decisions with their finances will not hold onto their wealth
for long.
Fools often spend money on unnecessary or useless things, buying
without thinking about long-term consequences, which can lead to
financial trouble.
Even if someone inherits or earns a lot of money, if they don’t know how
to manage it wisely, they will likely lose it over time due to poor decision-
making.
II. Character Sketches-
I. HUGHIE ERSKINE

Generous and Compassionate: Hughie is genuinely kind-hearted, even

when he has little to offer. His act of giving a sovereign to the beggar,
despite his own financial difficulties, shows his compassion for those he
believes are less fortunate. This trait defines him as someone who values
humanity over wealth.

Charming but Financially Unstable: Hughie is described as wonderfully

good-looking, with his crisp brown hair, clear-cut profile, and grey eyes.
He was extremely popular. However, his charm does not translate into
financial success, as he lacks a steady income or a clear career path. He
had tried Stock Exchange for six months, and had been a tea-merchant
for a little longer but had soon tired of each.

Naive and Unworldly: Hughie’s innocence is revealed in his inability to see

through the beggar’s disguise, unaware that the beggar is actually a
wealthy person. His lack of experience in dealing with wealth and high
society makes him vulnerable and highlights his simple, trusting nature.

Romantic but Realistic about Marriage: Hughie is deeply in love with

Laura Merton and dreams of marrying her, but he is also practical enough
to know that he must meet her father’s financial requirements before
they can be together.

II. ALAN TREVOR

Skilled and Respected Artist: Alan is portrayed as a successful and

talented painter and artist, dedicated to his craft. He was described as a
strange rough fellow, with a freckled face and red unruly hair.

Realistic and Practical: Unlike Hughie, Alan understands the importance of

financial stability. He is sensible in his approach to life and values hard
work and professionalism.

Loyal but Teasing Friend: Alan is a good friend to Hughie, but he enjoys
teasing him, especially about his lack of financial sense. He finds humour
in Hughie’s innocence but later helps him by informing the person about
Hughie’s situation, indirectly leading to Hughie’s good fortune.

Shrewd Judge of Character: Alan recognizes the difference between

appearances and reality. He understands both the person’s wealthy
status and Hughie’s genuine kindness, which allows him to bridge the gap
between them, ultimately benefiting Hughie. Alan helped Hughie to get
married to Laura Merton and was the best man at his wedding.

III. BARON HAUSBERG

Wealthy yet Humble: Baron Hausberg is one of the richest men in Europe,
He could buy all London tomorrow without withdrawing his account. He
had a house in every capital and dines off gold plates. Baron gave Alan a
commission to paint him as a beggar, showing that he does not flaunt his
wealth or status.

Generous and Benevolent: The baron is moved by Hughie’s act of

kindness and rewards him with £10,000, the exact amount he needs to
marry Laura. This act of generosity highlights the baron’s benevolent
nature, as he chooses to use his wealth to help those who display moral
character.

Perceptive and Observant: Despite his vast wealth, Baron Hausberg

values personal qualities like kindness and integrity. His keen observation
of Hughie’s genuine act of compassion leads him to reward Hughie,
suggesting that he values moral worth over material wealth.

IV. LAURA MERTON’S FATHER

Practical and Financially Focused: Laura’s father is a practical man who

insists on financial stability before he allows his daughter to marry
Hughie. His requirement that Hughie must have £10,000 reflects his
concern for financial security and his belief that marriage should be built
on solid economic foundations.

Protective of Laura: He cares deeply for his daughter’s future and wants
to ensure that she is well taken care of. His insistence on Hughie’s
financial capability shows his protective nature, as he doesn’t want Laura
to marry into financial instability.

Restrained but Not Unkind: Although he is strict about his financial

conditions for Hughie, he is not portrayed as a villainous or unkind
character. His concern is primarily for Laura’s well-being, and his stance,
while tough, is reasonable for the time period. He acts more out of duty
than personal animosity towards Hughie.

III. Theme of the Lesson-

Generosity and Kindness- At the core of the story is the idea that true
kindness and generosity are invaluable traits. Hughie’s act is portrayed as
a selfless and genuine gesture, highlighting the notion that one does not
need to be wealthy to be kind. This emphasizes that real generosity
comes from the heart, not from abundance.
The Nature of Wealth- The story subtly suggests that true wealth lies in
compassion and human kindness rather than in material possessions.
Social Class Distinctions- Wilde touches upon the division between the
rich and the poor, showing how people are often judged by appearances
and financial status. Hughie initially misjudges the millionaire [Baron
Hausberg] because of his shabby appearance, assuming him to be a
beggar. This implies that looks can be deceiving.
Unexpected Rewards of Kindness- Another significant aspect of the
theme is that good deeds, even when done unknowingly or without
expecting anything in return, can lead to unexpected rewards.
IV. Message in this Chapter-

The story emphasizes that it is not wealth that defines a person's worth
but their goodness and willingness to help others, even when they have
little to give.

It also shows that acts of kindness can have unexpected rewards. The
protagonist, Hughie Erskine, is a kind but poor young man who
mistakenly gives money to a beggar model, only to discover later that the
"beggar" is actually a wealthy person.

It also revolves around the idea that true generosity and kindness come
from the heart and are not tied to wealth.

A simple act of kindness can win hearts and bring happiness.

V. IS THE TITLE OF THE LESSON APT?

Yes, the title "The Model Millionaire" is apt for the story by Oscar Wilde
because-

In the story, Hughie Erskine, a young, good-hearted man, misunderstands

a beggar model posing for a painting, who is actually a wealthy
millionaire in disguise. This twist shows that the true value of a person
lies not in their external appearance or wealth but in their actions and
character.

The millionaire, Baron Hausberg, turns out to be an ideal or "model"

figure because, despite his wealth, he appreciates Hughie's generosity
and rewards him by gifting him a large sum of money. This makes the
title fitting as it highlights the contrast between appearances and reality,
showing how this millionaire is not just wealthy but also kind-hearted and
generous.
Millionaire models are rare enough but model millionaires are rarer still.

VI. QUESTIONS FROM TEXTBOOK-

i. Explain the statement- Romance is the privilege of the rich, not the
profession of the unemployed?
Ans-It suits the rich to romance a girl and win her affection, it does not
benefit an unemployed person to behave in the same manner as a rich
person does. An unemployed person does not have the means to win a
girl’s hand in marriage.
ii. Why is Hughie described as a delightful young man with a perfect
profile and no profession?
Ans-Hughie is described as wonderfully good-looking, with his crisp brown
hair, clear-cut profile, and grey eyes. He was extremely popular.
However, his charm does not translate into financial success, as he lacks
a steady income or a clear career path. He had tried Stock Exchange for
six months, and had been a tea-merchant for a little longer but had soon
got tired of each.
iii. Which efforts of Hughie to be employed were ineffective?
Ans-Hughie had tried everything to be employed. He had gone on the
Stock Exchange for six months, and had been a tea-merchant for a little
longer but was soon tired of each.
iv. Mention the two other truths of modern life stated by the author.
Ans-The two other truths are that the poor should be practical and
prosaic. Also, it is better to have a permanent steady income than to be
fascinating
v. Who was Hughie Erskine in love with?
Ans-Hughie Erskine was in love with Laura Merton. Laura was the
daughter of a retired colonel who was very fond of Hughie.
vi. What was the condition kept in front of Hughie to marry Laura by her
father?
Ans- To marry with Laura Merton, Hughie Erskine had to get ten thousand
pounds of his own as put forth by Laura's father, a retired colonel.
vii. Who was Alan Trevor?
Ans- Alan was a painter and an artist. He was described as a strange
rough fellow, with a freckled face and red unruly hair.

viii. What was Alan Trevor doing at his studio when Hughie visited there?
Ans-When one day Hughie Erskine was on his way where the Merton’s
lived, he dropped to see his best chum Alan Trevor who was a painter and
an artist. when Hughie arrived at his studio, he was busy giving finishing
touches to a life sized model's painting of a beggar.
ix. Where was the beggar standing and describe the beggar.
Ans- The beggar was standing on a platform in a corner of the studio. The
beggar is described as a wizened old man with a face like wrinkled,
parchment and a most piteous expression. Over his shoulders was flung a
coarse, brown cloak, all tears and tatters; his thick boots were patched
and cobbled, and with one hand, he leant on a rough stick, while with the
other, he held out his battered hat for alms.
x. Why does Alan Trevor say that such beggars as he is are not to be
met with every day?
Ans-The reason why Alan Trevor says that such beggars as he is are not
to be met with every day is because in the later part of the story, Hughie
understands that the person he was assuming to be a beggar was
actually a millionaire who had commissioned Alan Trevor to paint him as
a beggar. His name was Baron Hausberg. He was a great friend of Alan
Trevor and the richest man in Europe. He could buy all London the next
day without overdrawing his account. He had a house in every capital and
dined off gold plates. He was indeed a model millionaire.
xi. How much does a model get for sitting?
Ans- A model gets a shilling an hour for sitting.
xii. How much does an artist get for his painting?
Ans-An artist approximately gets two thousand pounds for his painting.
xiii. What suggestion did Hughie give to Alan in his studio while he was
making a portrait of the beggar?
Ans-When Alan Trevor was making the portrait of the beggar, Hughie
suggested that a model deserved a percentage of what the artist earned
as they worked as hard as artists did.
xiv. Why did Hughie think that a model deserved a percentage of what
the artist earned?
Ans-Hughie sympathised with the wrinkled old man who posed as Alan’s
mode with the most piteous expression on his face. The difference
between the pittance a model earns and the enormous profits made by
the artist prompts Hughie to think that a model deserved a percentage of
the artist’s earning.
xv. What did Alan say to oppose Hughie’s suggestion about a
model's percentage?
Ans-Alan dismissed Hughie's suggestion as ‘nonsense’. Opposing the
suggestion of Hughie, Alan said that a painter or an artist takes far more
trouble to lay the paint alone, stand all day long at one's easel, and there
are moments when art almost attains to the dignity of manual labour.
xvi. What do you think the speaker meant when he says art almost
attains the dignity of manual labour?
Ans- Alan, the speaker, meant that the work of an artist was sometimes
extremely laborious. Thus, he says jestingly of art, attaining the dignity of
manual labour, an instance of verbal irony, with the word ‘dignity,’
meaning the opposite of what it literally means.
xvii. What did the servant tell Trevor?
Ans- The servant came in and told Trevor that the frame maker wanted
to speak to him.
xviii. How did the old beggar man take advantage of Trevor’s absence?
Ans- The old beggar man took advantage of Trevor’s absence, to rest for a
moment on a wooden bench that was behind him.
xix. How did the old beggar man look like?
Ans-The old beggar man looked so forlorn and wretched that Hughie,
could not help pitying him, and felt in his pockets to see
what money he had
xx. What did Hughie handover to the beggar?
Ans- Hughie handed over a sovereign and some coppers to the old man.
xxi. Why was Hughie blushing?
Ans- Hughie was blushing because he had given the beggar a sovereign
and some coppers. This generous behaviour of his made him blush at
what he had done.
xxii. Where and when did Hughie stroll at night? Who did Hughie find
their?
Ans- Hughie strolled into the Palette Club at about eleven o’clock, and
found Alan sitting by himself.
xxiii. What did Alan tell Hughie about the beggar?
Ans- Alan told Hughie that the beggar or the old model was quiet devoted
to him, and he also asked him information about Hughie
xxiv. What had Alan told the beggar about Hughie?
Ans- Alan had told the beggar about Hughie- who he was, where he lived,
what his income was and what prospects he had.
xxv. In what way was Hughie ready to help the beggar?
Ans- Hughie had got heaps of old clothes at home, which he wanted to
give to the old beggar.
xxvi. Why was Hughie red and angry?
Ans- Hughie was red and angry, because Alan Trevor had told the beggar
about the relentless colonel, the lovely Laura and the ten thousand
pounds. He had even talked about the condition that the relentless
colonel had put forth if Hughie wanted to marry Laura Merton.
xxvii. Who was Baron Hausberg?
Ans- Baron Hausberg was the richest man in Europe. He could buy all
London the next day without overdrawing his account. He had a house in
every capital and dined off gold plates. He was a great friend of Alan
Trevor who often took paintings from him.
xxviii. Where did Alan Trevor get the rags from?
Ans- Alan Trevor made a magnificent figure in the rags as they were an
old suit he got in Spain.
xxix. What was the picture of dismay?
Ans- When Hughie gave Baron Hausberg (The richest man in Europe) a
sovereign and some coppers, and he sank into an armchair, it was a
picture of dismay.
xxx. Why did Hughie think that he had made a fool of himself?
Ans- Hughie had given a sovereign to the richest man in Europe,
assuming him to be a beggar. This act of him made him think that he had
made a fool of himself.
xxxi. Why was Baron Hausberg so interested to know all about Hughie?
Ans- Baron Hausberg was very interested to know all about Hughie
because he wanted to invest in Hughie's sovereign. He wanted to pay the
interest every six months and have a capital story to tell
after every dinner.
xxxii. What did the servant announce in the morning
during breakfast?
Ans- The next morning, as they were having breakfast, the servant
announced the arrival of a messenger from Baron Hausberg.
 xxxiii. Who had come into the room and what did he say?
Ans- An old gentleman with gold spectacles, came into the room, and said
in a slight French accent that he had come from Baron Hausberg.
xxxiv. What did Baron Hausberg send with the old gentleman? What
was inside it?
Ans- Baron Hausberg had sent a sealed envelope. On the outside, was
written a wedding present to Hughie Erskine and Laura Merton from an
old beggar and inside was a cheque for £10,000
xxxv. Who was the best man at the wedding?
Ans- Alan Trevor was the best man at the wedding.
xxxvi. Who made a speech at the wedding?
Ans- Baron Hausberg delivered a speech at the wedding breakfast.
xxxvii. What is the setting of the story?
Ans- The setting of "The Model Millionaire" by Oscar Wilde primarily takes
place in London. The story unfolds in two main locations:
1. Trevor's Studio: This is where the protagonist, Hughie Erskine, visits
his artist friend, Alan Trevor, who is painting a portrait of a beggar.
The studio is depicted as a typical artist's workspace, filled with
canvases, brushes, and unfinished artworks. This setting is
important as it introduces the beggar model, who turns out to be a
millionaire.
2. London Society: The story also reflects the social environment of
London during this time, highlighting the contrasts between the
wealthy and the poor. This story emphasizes the theme of
generosity and doing good deeds without expecting any rewards.

VII. IMPORTANT QUESTIONS

i. How are the expressions, “millionaire models” and “model
millionaire” different?

Ans-Millionaires who choose to be models for an artist are called

millionaire models, model millionaires are ideal millionaires who are
paragons of human virtue, generosity, and excellence. The difference
arises from the different meanings of the word model.

ii. In what way was Baron Hausberg a “model millionaire”?

Ans-Baron Hausberg was so impressed with Hughie’s sensitivity,

compassion, and generosity that he decided to make the contribution of
the substantial sum of £10,000 to Hughie to enable him to marry Laura
Merton. A millionaire so generous by nature, that he is willing to part with
a huge sum to benefit another is rare and thus a model or
ideal millionaire.

iii. Romance is the privilege of the rich not of the unemployed. Justify
your views for/against this statement.

Ans- The statement "Romance is the privilege of the rich, not of the
unemployed" suggests that only those who are financially secure can
truly enjoy romantic relationships. I would like to speak for the statement-

Romance often involves going out, traveling, or giving gifts, which can
require money. The rich have the financial resources to enjoy these
experiences without stress, while the unemployed may struggle to afford
even basic necessities.

Wealthy individuals typically have more leisure time and fewer worries
about their future. This can allow them to invest more in their
relationships. On the other hand, unemployment can bring stress, making
it harder to focus on romance.

In many societies, financial security is linked to success, which can be

appealing in romantic relationships. The unemployed may face societal
judgment, leading to difficulties in maintaining relationships.