The Model Millionaire- Oscar Wilde- Chapter -3

Reference to Context Questions

I. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
Unless one is wealthy…..grey eyes.
(i) What is said about wealth in the extract? Give the meaning of “ The poor should be
prosaic”.
Ans. In the extract, it is stated that wealth is necessary in order to fully enjoy romance and
charm. Those who are wealthy have the luxury of indulging in romantic relationships, while
the poor should focus on practical and mundane matters.

(ii) Give two positive qualities of Hughie. What was his drawback?
Ans. Hughie is described as “ wonderfully good-looking” with crisp brown hair, a clear- cut
profile, and grey eyes. Additionally, it is stated that he never said anything brilliant or ill-
natured in his life, highlighting his kind and amiable character.
Hughie lacked intellectual depth or significant accomplishments in terms of intelligence or
knowledge. Despite his physical appeal and pleasant personality, he was not considered
intellectually remarkable.

(iii) What did his father bequeath him? What did he do with his inheritance?
Ans. His father had bequeathed him his cavalry sword, and a History of the Peninsular
War in fifteen volumes. Hughie hung the first over his looking-glass, put the second on a
shelf between Ruff’s Guide and Bailey’s Magazine and lived on two hundred a year that an
old aunt allowed him.

(iv) How did Hughie make a living? What was his experience in his Stock Exchange and in
other concerns?
Ans. Hughie Erskine did not have a steady income and relied on a meagre allowance of
two hundred pounds per year from his aunt. He tried working on the Stock Exchange for six
months but felt out of place. He also attempted to be a tea- merchant and sell dry sherry, but
both ventures were unsuccessful. Ultimately, he became a charming yet profession-less
young man.

(v) Give the meaning of the following:

“ Ultimately he became nothing, a delightful ineffectual young man with a perfect profile
and no profession.”
Ans. The sentence suggests that despite Hughie Erskine’s attractive physical appearance
and pleasing personality, he lacked a meaningful occupation or purpose in life. The phrase
“ultimately he became nothing” suggests his lack of significant achievements or impact.
However, he was still regarded as delightful due to his pleasing qualities, despite his
ineffectualness.

II Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:

To make matters worse……to kiss her shoe-strings.

(i) Who is ‘he’ referred to in the extract? What troubles he had earlier in his life?
 Ans. “He” refers to Hughie Erskine. Earlier in his life, Hughie faced troubles primarily related
to his financial situation and lack of profession. Despite his appealing qualities, such as his
good looks and pleasant personality, he struggled to make money and establish a
successful career. He tried various occupations, but these ventures did not bring him
success or stability.

(ii) Give the meaning of “ who had lost his temper and digestion in India.” With reference to
India, what theme is referred to?
Ans. The phrase “who had lost his temper and digestion in India” figuratively indicates the
retired Colonel’s negative experiences and hardships during his time in India while on duty. It
refers to the hot climate of India which the Colonel could not get acclimatised to. His
digestion too could not get used to the spicy food in India.Hence, his emotional well-being
and physical health was affected. The mention of India does not represent a specific theme
but serves to emphasise the challenges the Colonel faced, which may have influenced his
attitude towards Hughie’s relationship with his daughter.

(iii) Name and explain the figure of speech used in the following “and he was ready to kiss
her shoe-strings”
Ans. The author has used ‘Hyperbole’ to suggest Hughie's affection for Laura and his
willingness to do anything for Laura. This emphasises his intense devotion and readiness to
express his love in an exaggerated and extravagant manner.

(iv) ‘They were the handsomest couple in London’ but what was lacking in their lives? How
did they obtain it?
Ans.While Hughie and Laura were described as a handsomest couple in London.They
lacked financial stability and wealth in their lives.They didn't have any money.To obtain it,
Hughie needed to accumulate 10,000 pounds, as demanded by Laura's father.Once he
achieved this, they would address the financial gap in their lives and then they would be in a
position to pursue their relationship.

(v) What was the Colonel's attitude towards Hughie? What does that say about Hughie?
Which characteristic trait of the Colonel is reflected in his attitude towards Hughiei?
Ans. The Colonel's attitude towards Hughie can be described as cautious and hesitant.
Although the Colonel was fond of Hughiei, he did not approve of his daughter, Laura, being
engaged to him due to Hugie's lack of personal wealth. This suggests that the Colonel
values financial stability and security, prioritising it over other qualities or characteristics that
Hughie possesses. The traits reflected in the Colonel’s attitude is his emphasis on financial
status or material well as a determining factor in his daughter's relationship choices.

III. Did the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
One morning, as he was on his way,Holland Park……and his picture was equally sought
after.
(i) Was he referred to in the extract? Where did he go? Why?

Ans. In the given extract, ‘he’ refers to Hughie. He went to visit his great friend, Alan Trevor,
who was a painter and an artist. Hughie visited Alan who was a painter and also an artist, a
rare combination. He was a strange rough fellow with a freckled face and a red ragged
beard. However, when he took up the brush he was a real master, and his pictures were
eagerly sought after.

(ii) Who is ‘he’ referred to in the extract? Where did he go? Why?
Ans.The given extract, ‘he’ refers to Hughie. He went to visit his great friend, Alan Trevor,
who was a painter and an artist.Hughie visited Alan Trevor because they were friends. And
Trevor's studio was a likely place where they could spend time together and engage in
artistic discussions.

(iii) Describe Alan Trevor’s appearance.

Ans. Alan Trevor had a strange and rough appearance. He had a freckled face and a red
ragged beard. This unconventional look added to his artistic persona. Despite his
unconventional appearance, when Trevor picked up the brush, he displayed a true mastery
in his craft and his paintings were highly sought after.

(iv) What is said about Trevor as an artist? Why was he attracted by Hughie?
Ans. As an artist, Alan Trevor was highly regarded and considered a real master of his craft.
He had a unique perspective on art, believing that artists should associate with people who
are both aesthetically pleasing and intellectually stimulating. It was Hughie’s personal charm
that initially attracted Trevor to him. However, as Trevor got to know Hughie better, he
appreciated not only his charm, but also his bright buoyant spirit and generous nature.

(iv) According to Trevor, whom should an artist know?

Ans.According to Trevor, an artist should know people who are both aesthetically pleasing
and intellectually stimulating. He believed that artists should surround themselves with
individuals who possess a combination of beauty and intelligence.Trevor valued dandies and
darlings, considered them to have a significant influence on the world. He suggests that the
company of such individuals is essential for artists.

(v) Why did Trevor give permanent entry to Hughie to his studio? What does that show about
Trevor?
Ans. Trevor granted Hughiei permanent access to his studio because he appreciated his
vibrant and generous nature, going beyond his initial attraction to Hughie's personal charm.
This.decision showcased Trevor’s ability to value genuine friendship and look beyond
superficial appearances. Highlighting his openness and appreciation for character rather
than just external qualities.

IV.And read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.:

When Hughie came in… and the most piteous expression.

(i) Who was the beggar- man? Describe his appearance at the studio.
Ans. The beggar- man in Trevor’s studio was a wizzened old man with a face like a wrinkled
parchment, exuding a most piteous expression. It is not explicitly mentioned who the beggar
man is. But later in the story, it is revealed that the beggar man is actually Baron Hausberg,
a wealthy man who commissioned Trevor to paint him as a beggar.

(ii) What was the model paid for a sitting? How much does an artist get for a picture?
Ans. A model was paid shielding an hour for a sitting, according to Trevor. As for the artist,
Trevor mentioned that he received 2000 guineas for the picture he was working on.

(iii) According to Hughie, what must be paid to a model? How is that a comment on Victorian
society at that time?
Ans. According to Hughie, a model must be paid a percentage of the artist's earnings for a
painting. His comments highlight the socioeconomic inequalities prevalent in Victorian
society. It reflects the exploitation of lower class individuals like models who contribute to the
success and wealth of the upper class and the artist, yet were often underpaid or not fairly
compensated for their work. Hughie’s remark sheds light on the unjust power dynamics and
lack of social equality during that time.

(iv) What does ever say to imply that an artist's work is hard?
Ans. Ever implies that an artist's work is hard by saying that creating art requires not only
skill and talent, but also a sense of responsibility towards society.Trevor indicates that being
an artist involves more than just creating beautiful pictures. It carries a burden of social
commentary and the weight of societal expectation.

(v) NOT TO BE DONE-OMIT

V. Niti extract given below and answer the questions that follow.:

‘Don't run away, Hughie,’ he said……that Hughie could not help pitying him.

(i) Why did Hughie pity the beggar -man? What did he do to help him?
Ans. Hugee pitied the beggar- man because of his forlorn and wretched appearance. To
help him, Hughie took out his purse and gave him some money. The act of giving money to
the beggar was Hughie's way of showing compassion and extending assistance to someone
in need.

(ii) Which theme prevalent in the Victorian Period is shown in the action of Hughie?
Ans. The theme of compassion and social responsibility is reflected in Hughie's action of
helping the beggar- man.This reflects the Victorian period's emphasis on philanthropy and
concern for the less fortunate. Hughie's act of giving money to the beggar demonstrates the
Victorian ideals of individuals taking personal responsibility for addressing social inequalities
and extending assistance to those in need.

(iii) What was the reaction of the beggar- man while receiving arms from Hughie?

Ans. The old man gives a start and then a faint smile crosses his withered lips, as he says,
“Thank you, Sir, thank you.” This reaction suggests that the act of kindness from Hughiei,
despite the beggar's apparent poverty and misery, has touched him and bought a
momentary sense of relief and appreciation.

(iv) State the impact of Hughie’s charity?

Ans. Yugi's actual charity had a significant impact on the bigger man.It brought a faint smile
to the old man's withered lips and provided him with momentary relief from his forlorn and
wretched state. Hugie’s gesture of kindness offered a glimmer of hope and compassion in
the beggar's life, reminding us of the transformative power of even the smallest acts of
generosity.

(v) What was the reaction of Laura and Trevor on Hughie's charity?
Ans. On hearing of Hughie’s charity, Laura gave a charming scolding to him, and Trevor
first shouted, “Gave him a sovereign” and then burst into a roar of laughter. Trevor told
Hughie that the old man was actually one of the richest men in Europe.

VI. Read the exact given below and answer the questions that follow:

‘Finished and framed my boy!’ answered Trevor…….what your income is? What prospects
do you have?’

(i) What conquest did Hughie make?

Ans. Hughie made a conquest of the old beggar- man who turned out to be Baron Hausberg,
a wealthy individual. Trevor informed Hughie that he had to share personal details about him
with the beggar. This suggests that the beggar now known as Baron Hausberg, has taken a
keen interest in Hughie and has become devoted to him.

(ii) How was the conquest made?

Ans. Hughie's conquest of the old beggar -man Baron Hausberg was made inadvertently
when he showed compassion and gave him a sovereign. Unaware of the beggar's true
identity, Hughie act of kindness captured the old man's attention and affection, leading him
to inquire about Hughie's personal life from Trevor. This unexpected encounter with the
beggar turned millionaire marked Hughie's unwitting conquest.

(iii) What was the immediate fear of Hughie when he would go home?

Ans. The immediate fear of Hughie when he would go home was that the old beggar would
be waiting at his house, expecting Hughi to help him further in terms of money or other
means, now that he had Hughie’s address.

(iv) Give the meaning of.:

(a) “What you call ranks I called romance. What seems poverty to you is
picturesqueness to me.”
Ans. The statement suggests that, while some may view worn out clothing as rags and a
sign of poverty, Alan Trevor sees them as a source of romance and aesthetic appeal. He
finds beauty in the tattered garments, considering them to possess a picturesque quality. It
emphasises the subject of nature of perception and highlights Trevor’s unique perspective
on poverty and its visual representation.

(b) “And on this heart is in his head”

Ans. The phrase an artist's heart is in his head implies that an artist's emotions, passions
and creative drive are expressed and channelled through their intellect and imagination.
(v) What was told to the beggar- man about Hughie? What was Hughie's reaction on
knowing that Trevor had told the beggar about Hughie and Laura?

Ans. Trevor told the beggar man who was actually Baron Hausberg in disguise about
Hughie's personal affairs. He informed him about Hughie's identity, where he lived, his
income and his prospects.
When Hughie found out that Trevor had shared these details with the beggar, he was taken
aback and felt embarrassed.

VII. Read the extract win below and answer the questions that follow:
‘ The Baron,’ said the old gentleman with a smile…. but…by Jove, model millionaires are
rarer still.!’

(i) Who was the old gentleman who brought the letter? What were the contents in the sealed
envelope?
Ans. The old gentleman who brought the letter was Monsieur Gustave Naudin, acting on
behalf of Baron Hausberg. The sealed envelope contained a wedding present Hughie
Erskine and Laura Merton. On the outside of the envelope, it was written, ;A wedding
present to Hugh Erskine and Laura Merton from an old beggar’. Inside the envelope was a
cheque for 10,000 pounds.

(ii) How did the Baron know that Hughie was in need of money? What did he do to fulfil his
need?

Ans. The Baron learned about Hughie's financial situation and need for money through Allen
Trevor, who had informed him about Hughie's struggles. To fulfill Hughie's need, the Baron
decided to provide him with a wedding present in the form of a generous cheque worth
10,000 pounds.

(iii) What role did Trevor play in finalising Hughie’s marriage to Laura?

Ans. Trevor played a crucial role in Hughie’s marriage to Laura by confiding details about
Hughie’s financial conditions and Colonel Merton’s condition to Baron Hausberg. The Baron,
on hearing this, provides a generous wedding gift of 10,000 pounds. This gift helped pave
the way for their marriage. Trevor’s intervention was instrumental in bringing Haughie and
Laura together.

(iv) The story shows that the poor are generous in helping others. How did Hughie’s charity
to the beggar give him rich dividends?

Ans. Hughie’s charitable act towards the beggar who turned out to be a wealthy baron in
disguise, brought him unexpected rewards. The Baron, touched by Hughie's generosity,
gifted him 10,000 pounds as a wedding present when he married Laura. This act of kindness
transformed Hughie's financial situation and improved his prospects significantly. The story
highlights the idea that the poor can possess a wealth of generosity, and that acts of charity
can lead to unexpected and rewarding outcomes.

(v) Explain the meaning of-

“Millionaire models are rare enough, but model millionaires are rare still!”
Ans. The phrase “millionaire models are rare enough, but model millionaires are rare stil!”
suggests that it is uncommon to find wealthy individuals who work as models, but it is even
rarer to find models who have become millionaires themselves. It emphasises that achieving
financial success in wealth goes beyond the realm of a specific profession or talent, and
requires additional factors like financial smartness and canny investments.