Multiple Choice Questions
1. What made Alan Trevor give Hughie a permanent entrée to his studio?
(a) His indifference towards the family.
(b) His pauperism.
(c) Hughie's spirits and kindness.
(d) His bright ideas.
Answer: (c) Hughie's spirits and kindness.
2. What was the special feature of the model beggar?
(a) His patched and cobbled boots.
(b) His battered hat.
(c) His torn and tattered cloak.
(d) His piteous expression.
Answer: (d) His piteous expression.
3. What did Hughie do during Trevor's absence?
(a) He admired Trevor's paintings.
(b) He smoked a cigarette.
(c) He gave a sovereign to the beggar.
(d) He admired the looks of the model.
Answer: (c) He gave a sovereign to the beggar.
4. "What a duffer he must think me!" said Hughie. Why?
(a) He could not differentiate between a rich man and himself.
(b) He could not understand Trevor's paintings.
(c) He gave money to a model thinking him as a beggar.
(d) None of the above.
Answer: (c) He gave money to a model thinking him as a beggar.
5. Why did Hughie think that he should apologise to the Baron?
(a) He felt that he had insulted him.
(b) He felt that he had hurt him.
(c) He felt that he had made a mistake by giving him a sovereign.
(d) He was afraid on knowing that he was Baron.
Answer: (c) He felt that he had made a mistake by giving him a sovereign.
6. "It reflects the highest credit on your philanthropic spirit" is an appreciation from whom and for whom?
(a) Laura Merton for Hughie
(b) Alan Trevor for Hughie
(c) Baron Hausberg for Hughie
(d) Colonel for Laura Merton
Answer: (c) Baron Hausberg for Hughie
7. What does "Millionaire models are rare enough" indicate?
(a) Modelling does not pay well so millionaire models are rare.
(b) Models are always available but are poor.
(c) Models who are millionaires are hardly found.
(d) Models are costly so a model is a millionaire.
Answer: (c) Models who are millionaires are hardly found.
8. Which figure of speech is used in the line: 'that old beggar, as you can see him, is one of the richest men in Europe'?
(a) Irony
(b) Metaphor
(c) Personification
(d) Simile
Answer: (a) Irony
9. "But what was a butterfly among bulls and bears" means
(a) Hughie liked butterflies
(b) Hughie did not fit in at the Stock Exchange
(c) There were butterflies around bulls and bears
(d) None of the above
Answer: (b) Hughie did not fit in at the Stock Exchange
10. Which literary device is used in the line: "Laura adored him and he was ready to kiss her shoe-strings"?
(a) Imagery
(b) Metaphor
(c) Hyperbole
(d) Irony
Answer: (c) Hyperbole
11. The theme of the story is
(a) Generosity
(b) Morality
(c) Wealth
(d) All of the above.
Answer: (d) All of the above.
12. Whose point of view is the narrator showing when he says, 'He looked so forlorn'?
(a) Hughie's
(b) Trevor's
(c) The audience's
(d) None of the above
Answer: (a) Hughie's
13. Who is he' and whose rags were they in the line-“he made a magnificent figure in his rags"?
(a) Trevor, Hughie's
(b) Baron, Trevor's
(c) Hughie, Baron's
(d) Baron, Baron's
Answer: (d) Baron, Baron's
14. According to Trevor where is an artist's heart?
(a) In his chest
(b) In his stomach
(c) In his work
(d) In his mind
Answer: (d) In his mind
Section B: Context Questions
Extract I
(i) What is said about wealth in the extract? Give the meaning of "The poor should be prosaic".
Answer: The extract suggests that unless one is wealthy, being charming doesn't serve much purpose. The phrase "The poor should be prosaic" means that the poor should be straightforward and unromantic, focusing on practical matters rather than daydreaming or indulging in fantasies.
(ii) Give two positive qualities of Hughie. What was his drawback?
Answer: Two positive qualities of Hughie mentioned in the extract are that he was wonderfully good-looking and that he never said anything ill-natured. His drawback was that intellectually he wasn't considered significant; he never said anything particularly brilliant.
(iii) What did his father bequeath him? What did he do with his inheritance?
Answer: His father bequeathed him a cavalry sword and a 'History of Peninsular War' in fifteen volumes. The extract does not provide details about what he did with his inheritance.
(iv) How did Hughie make a living? What was his experience in the Stock Exchange and in other concerns?
Answer: Hughie made a living from an allowance given by an old aunt. In the broader context of the story, Hughie tried various occupations including the Stock Exchange and other concerns but was unsuccessful in all of them.
(v) Give the meaning of the following:
"Ultimately he became nothing, a delightful ineffectual young man with a perfect profile and no profession:"
Answer: The phrase "Ultimately he became nothing, a delightful ineffectual young man with a perfect profile and no profession" means that despite his charming looks and delightful personality, Hughie didn't achieve any professional success or significant role in society.
Extract II
(i) Who is 'he' referred to in the extract? What troubles he had earlier in his life?
Answer: 'He' refers to Hughie Erskine. Earlier in his life, he had troubles regarding his financial state and the fact that he was unsuccessful in various professions.
(ii) Give the meaning of “who had lost his temper and digestion in India." With reference to India, what theme is referred to?
Answer: The phrase “who had lost his temper and digestion in India" is a humorous way of saying that Colonel Merton had become irritable and had digestive problems due to his time spent in India. The reference to India hints at the theme of British colonialism.
(iii) Name and explain the figure of speech used in the following "and he was ready to kiss her shoe-strings."
Answer: The figure of speech used in "and he was ready to kiss her shoe-strings" is hyperbole. It emphasizes how deeply Hughie loved Laura and was ready to do anything for her.
(iv) They were the handsomest couple in London' but what was lacking in their lives? How did they obtain it?
Answer: Despite being the "handsomest couple in London," they lacked sufficient funds for them to get married. They eventually obtained the required money as a gift from Baron Hausberg.
(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 Hughie?
Answer: The Colonel's attitude towards Hughie was favorable in terms of his personality but was against the engagement due to Hughie's lack of funds. This reflects that Hughie was indeed a likable person. The Colonel's insistence on financial stability showcases his practicality and concern for his daughter's future.
Extract III
(i) Who is 'he' referred to in the extract? Where did he go? Why?
Answer: 'He' refers to Hughie Erskine. He was on his way to Holland Park to visit the Mertons. He dropped in to see his friend, Alan Trevor, on the way.
(ii) Describe Alan Trevor's appearance.
Answer: Alan Trevor had a freckled face and a red ragged beard, making him appear rough.
(iii) What is said about Trevor as an artist? Why was he attracted by Hughie?
Answer: Trevor was not only a painter but also an artist, suggesting that he had a unique vision and skill. His artworks were in demand and were sought after. Trevor was attracted by Hughie's good looks and charming nature.
(iv) According to Trevor, whom should an artist know?
Answer: According to Trevor, an artist should know the people who are both beautiful and intellectual. He believes such people should rule the world.
(v) Why did Trevor give permanent entry to Hughie to his studio? What does that show about Trevor?
Answer: Trevor gave Hughie permanent entry to his studio because he liked Hughie's looks and cheerful disposition. This shows that Trevor valued beauty and good company in his workspace.
Extract IV
1. Who was the beggar-man? Describe his appearance at the studio.
Answer: The beggar-man was Baron Hausberg in disguise. In the studio, he appeared as a wizened old man with a face resembling wrinkled parchment and a pitiable expression.
2. What was a model paid for a sitting? How much does an artist get for a picture?
Answer: A model was typically paid a shilling an hour for a sitting. An artist, particularly someone skilled like Trevor, could get two thousand guineas for a picture.
3. According to Hughie what must be paid to a model? How is that a comment on Victorian society at that time?
Answer: Hughie believed that the model should be paid more due to the intense emotional and physical strain he appeared to be under. This reflects the Victorian society's tendency to overlook the sacrifices and struggles of the lower classes while disproportionately valuing the contributions of the elite.
4. What does Trevor say to imply that artist's work is hard?
Answer: Trevor's focus on the finishing touches and the detail involved in the painting suggests that an artist's work is meticulous and challenging.
5. What is profitable-manual work or intellectual work? Why?
Answer: Intellectual work, in this context of artistry, is more profitable than manual work, as evidenced by the vast difference in payment between the artist and the model. This is because intellectual work, like art, is often valued for its uniqueness and creativity.
Extract V
1. Why did Hughie pity the beggar-man? What did he do to help him?
Answer: Hughie pitied the beggar-man because he looked so forlorn and wretched. To help him, Hughie gave him a sovereign.
2. Which theme prevalent in the Victorian Period is shown in the action of Hughie?
Answer: The theme prevalent in the Victorian Period shown in Hughie's action is "Generosity".
3. What was the reaction of the beggar-man while receiving alms from Hughie?
Answer: The beggar-man, upon receiving alms from Hughie, showed a faint smile.
4. State the impact of Hughie's charity.
Answer: Hughie's charity led to him receiving a gift of 10,000 pounds from Baron Hausberg, enabling him to marry Laura.
5. What was the reaction of Laura and Trevor on Hughie's charity?
Answer: Laura scolded Hughie for his generosity, considering it an extravagance, while Trevor laughed at Hughie's actions, knowing the true identity of the beggar-man.
Extract VI
1. What conquest did Hughie make?
Answer: Hughie made a conquest with the beggar-man, who was actually Baron Hausberg.
2. How was the conquest made?
Answer: The conquest was made when Hughie generously gave the beggar-man a sovereign.
3. What was the immediate fear of Hughie when he would go home?
Answer: Hughie's immediate fear was that the beggar-man, knowing about his financial condition, might harass him for more money.
4. Give the meaning of
(a) "What you call rags, I call romance. What seems poverty to you is picturesqueness to me"
Answer: This means that what appears as mere rags or poverty to common eyes, appears as a story or a picturesque scene to an artist.
(b) "An artist's heart is in his head".
Answer: This means that an artist's emotions and feelings are reflected through their intellect and creativity rather than just their heart.
5. 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?
Answer: Trevor told the beggar-man about Hughie's financial condition and his love for Laura. Hughie was initially embarrassed and angry upon learning this.
VII.
1. Who was the old gentleman who brought the letter? What were the contents in the sealed envelope?
Answer: The old gentleman who brought the letter was a messenger from Baron Hausberg. The sealed envelope contained a cheque for £10,000 with a note mentioning it as a wedding gift from an "old beggar."
2. How did the Baron know that Hughie was in need of money? What did he do to fulfil his need?
Answer: The Baron learned about Hughie's financial situation and his love story with Laura from Trevor. To help Hughie, he gifted him 10,000 pounds.
3. What role did Trevor play in finalising Hughie's marriage to Laura?
Answer: Trevor played a crucial role in Hughie's marriage to Laura by introducing him to the Baron and sharing his story, which led to the Baron's generous gift.
4. The story shows that the poor are generous in helping others. How did Hughie's charity to the beggar give him rich dividends?
Answer: Hughie's act of kindness to the beggar, despite his own financial constraints, was rewarded tenfold when the beggar, revealed as Baron Hausberg, gifted him a substantial sum of money.
5. Explain the meaning of
"Millionaire models are rare enough, but model millionaires are rare still!
Answer: This means that while there are a few millionaire models, it's even rarer to find a millionaire who acts as a model in terms of generosity and kindness.
Project Work
1. The Role of Wealth in Victorian Society as Reflected in "The Model Millionaire":
In "The Model Millionaire", Oscar Wilde vividly illustrates the profound significance of wealth in Victorian society. Wealth was not merely an indicator of one's financial well-being but also a determinant of social status, respectability, and marital prospects. The narrative explicitly shows that romance and charm, despite being admirable qualities, are secondary to financial stability, as stated in the line: "Romance is the privilege of the rich, not the profession of the unemployed." Hughie Erskine's charm and good looks alone aren't sufficient for him to marry Laura, as societal expectations necessitate him to have a considerable sum of money. Laura's father, a retired Colonel, explicitly sets a financial condition for marriage, reflecting the era's emphasis on economic security. Thus, the story underscores how in Victorian society, wealth could dictate one's life choices, relationships, and overall status.
2. Morality Over Material Wealth in "The Model Millionaire":
Oscar Wilde's "The Model Millionaire" encapsulates the Victorian literary motif where morality and virtuous actions often triumph over materialistic pursuits. While the Victorian age was characterized by its rapid industrialization and the rise of the nouveau riche, its literature frequently celebrated values over wealth. In the story, Hughie, despite his financial constraints, showcases profound generosity when he gives a sovereign to a man he believes to be a beggar. This act of kindness, devoid of any ulterior motive, stands in stark contrast to the societal obsession with money. It is this very act that leads Baron Hausberg, a millionaire, to reward him generously. The narrative conclusion, where genuine compassion yields significant material rewards, underscores the Victorian ethos that genuine human values can, and often do, overpower the might of material wealth.
3. Character Sketch:
(a) Hughie Erskine:
Hughie Erskine is portrayed as an attractive, charming, and well-liked young man. His physical features, including his crisp brown hair and gray eyes, make him popular among both genders. However, his intellectual capacity is humorously downplayed, with the narrator stating that "intellectually, he was not of much importance." Despite this, Hughie's defining trait is his generous and compassionate nature. Although not wealthy, he is quick to part with his money when he believes someone is in need, demonstrating a kind-heartedness that is rare. His love for Laura is profound, and he is depicted as someone who is genuine, naive, and not influenced by the materialistic tendencies of Victorian society.
(b) Baron Hausberg:
Baron Hausberg is one of the wealthiest men in Europe, a fact that is cleverly hidden behind his guise as a beggar in the story. His decision to dress as a beggar for a portrait reveals an eccentric side to his character, suggesting that he is not bound by societal norms despite his status. This eccentricity is further showcased by his generous gift to Hughie, a gesture that is both surprising and heartwarming. The Baron, through his actions, underscores the story's central theme that genuine acts of kindness are invaluable. While he possesses immense wealth, it's his recognition of Hughie's genuine nature and his subsequent act of generosity that truly define him as a character in the narrative.
