Acknowlegement

Index
About the Author (Childhood, education, achievements)
300 words
Summary of the story 300 words
Answer to the Topical Question (Answer the question with
reference to the poem) (500 - 550 words)
Conclusion (50 to 80 words)
Bibliography and Webliography
Question no 1
Oscar Wilde’s short story The Model Millionaire beautifully illustrates how genuine
kindness and generosity can bring unexpected rewards. Through the actions of the
main character, Hughie Erskine, Wilde conveys a moral lesson that true worth lies in
one’s heart rather than in wealth or status. The story uses a simple plot with an ironic
twist to highlight how a small act of compassion can have life-changing results.

Hughie Erskine is a young man who is charming, good-looking, and kind-hearted,

but he lacks money and any real career. He is in love with Laura Merton, the
daughter of a retired colonel, but cannot marry her because her father insists that
Hughie must first have £10,000 of his own. Hughie struggles to earn enough money
through various jobs, but nothing seems to work. Despite his financial difficulties,
Hughie remains generous and thoughtful.

One day, while visiting his friend Alan Trevor, a painter, Hughie sees an old beggar
man posing as a model for one of Alan’s paintings. Moved by the poor man's
appearance and thinking he is truly in need, Hughie takes out a sovereign—his last
gold coin—and gives it to him. This act is not done for show or reward; it is simply
the result of Hughie’s kind nature. He does it without expecting anything in return.

However, in an ironic twist, it turns out that the beggar was not a beggar at all. He
was actually Baron Hausberg, one of the richest men in Europe, who had agreed to
pose for the painting as a favour to Alan. The baron is so touched by Hughie’s
generosity that he decides to reward him. The next day, Hughie receives a letter
containing a cheque for £10,000—the exact amount he needs to marry Laura.

This unexpected gift completely changes Hughie’s life. His selfless act of kindness
ends up being the very thing that brings him happiness and success. The story’s
message is clear: true generosity and compassion often lead to blessings, even if we
don’t see the results right away. Wilde uses wit and irony to make this moral lesson
more engaging, but at its core, the story reminds us of the power of kindness.

The character I like most in the story is Hughie Erskine. Though he is not rich or
particularly talented, he is honest, warm-hearted, and sincere. In contrast to the
other characters, such as the practical colonel or the witty but detached Alan Trevor,
Hughie stands out for his humanity. He is someone who acts on his feelings and is
not afraid to show compassion, even when he is struggling himself.

Hughie’s character proves that generosity does not require wealth—just a generous
heart. His example teaches us that sometimes, it is the smallest acts of kindness that
have the biggest impact. Wilde may have written the story with humour and irony,
but the underlying message is serious and timeless: true wealth lies in goodness.
Question no 2
Oscar Wilde’s short story The Model Millionaire offers a glimpse into Victorian society, where
wealth, status, and social class played a major role in people’s lives. At the same time, it
highlights how people with little, like Hughie Erskine, were often more generous and kind-
hearted than the wealthy. The story’s message—that true generosity does not come from
how much we have, but from how much we care—is still relevant today. Although society
has changed in many ways since the Victorian era, the contrast between wealth and
generosity continues to exist in modern times.

In the Victorian period, social class determined a person’s opportunities,

relationships, and respect in society. A young man like Hughie, despite being good-
looking, well-mannered, and kind, could not marry the woman he loved because he
lacked money. Wealth was often seen as the most important requirement for
success and marriage. However, Wilde uses irony to show that true wealth lies in
kindness, not in money. The poor, like Hughie, were often more compassionate than
the rich. In a surprising twist, it is Hughie’s act of kindness towards someone he
thinks is a beggar that earns him a reward far beyond anything he could have
imagined.

This situation still holds true in many ways today. Although modern society has
become more open and flexible than in the Victorian era, wealth still plays a powerful
role. People with money often have better access to education, healthcare, and
social influence. Success is often measured by income, possessions, or lifestyle.
Yet, just like in Wilde’s story, generosity is not always found where wealth is.

In many cases, people who have experienced hardship themselves are more willing
to help others. Charitable donations, acts of kindness, and community support often
come from ordinary people who understand the struggles of daily life. Many social
workers, volunteers, and even strangers go out of their way to help others without
expecting anything in return. Just like Hughie gave away his last coin to someone he
thought was a beggar, many people today give their time, effort, or resources to
support those in need—even when they don’t have much themselves.

On the other hand, some wealthy individuals and organizations do use their
resources generously to support causes like education, health, poverty relief, and
disaster response. Philanthropy plays an important role in today’s world. Yet, it is
often those with the least who give the most in terms of personal sacrifice.

The story teaches us that generosity comes from character, not from wealth.
Whether in the past or today, true kindness is measured not by how much a person
gives, but by how willingly and sincerely they give it. The Model Millionaire reminds
us that compassion, not money, is the real treasure—and that still holds true in
modern society.

In conclusion, while the role of wealth continues to shape people’s lives, generosity
still thrives among those who may not have much to give. Wilde’s message is
timeless: a kind heart is more valuable than a full bank account.
Oscar Wilde: Childhood, Education, and Achievements
Oscar Wilde was born on October 16, 1854, in Dublin, Ireland, into a well-educated
and literary family. His father, Sir William Wilde, was a successful ear and eye
surgeon, and also a writer on archaeology and folklore. His mother, Jane Wilde (pen
name "Speranza"), was a poet and a supporter of Irish nationalism. Growing up in
this intellectual environment deeply influenced Wilde’s love for literature and
learning.

Wilde began his education at Portora Royal School in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland.
He was a brilliant student, especially skilled in classical languages. In 1871, he
earned a scholarship to Trinity College, Dublin, where he won the Berkley Gold
Medal for Greek. He then attended Magdalen College, Oxford, on a scholarship. At
Oxford, he excelled academically and won the Newdigate Prize for Poetry in 1878 for
his poem "Ravenna."

After university, Wilde became a prominent figure in the Aesthetic Movement, which
emphasized “art for art’s sake.” Known for his wit and flamboyant personality, Wilde
gained fame as a playwright and critic of Victorian society. His best-known works
include the novel The Picture of Dorian Gray (1890) and the plays The Importance of
Being Earnest (1895), An Ideal Husband, and Lady Windermere’s Fan.

Despite his success, Wilde’s career ended in scandal when he was imprisoned in
1895 for homosexuality, which was illegal at the time. He spent two years in prison
and, after his release, lived in poverty. He died in Paris on November 30, 1900, at
the age of 46.

Today, Oscar Wilde is celebrated as one of the greatest playwrights and most
brilliant literary minds of the 19th century.
SUMMARY

The Model Millionaire by Oscar Wilde is a charming story about kindness,

generosity, and unexpected rewards. The main character, Hughie Erskine, is a
young, handsome, and well-mannered man who loves a woman named Laura
Merton. Although Hughie is charming and kind, he lacks money, which worries
Laura’s father, who wants her to marry someone wealthy.

Hughie’s best friend, Alan Trevor, is a talented artist. One day, Hughie visits Alan’s
studio and sees a man posing as a beggar for a painting. The man looks very poor
and pitiful, which moves Hughie deeply. Without hesitation, Hughie gives the man a
sovereign (a gold coin), even though it is his last coin.

Later, Hughie learns a surprising truth: the beggar was actually a wealthy baron
pretending to be poor for Alan’s painting. The baron is so impressed by Hughie’s
generosity and kindness that he decides to reward him. The next day, the baron
gives Hughie a cheque for £10,000, a huge amount of money at that time.

With this unexpected fortune, Hughie can now marry Laura without any financial
worries. The story ends with a happy note, showing that true kindness often brings
unexpected rewards.

Wilde’s story highlights the idea that wealth and generosity are not always linked.
Sometimes, those with little to give are the most generous. The story also uses irony
to show that true richness comes from a kind heart, not from money. The Model
Millionaire reminds readers that compassion and generosity can change lives in
surprising ways.

CONCLUSION

From The Model Millionaire, I learned that true generosity and kindness come from
the heart, not from material wealth. The story shows how Hughie’s selfless act of
giving, despite his own poverty, leads to an unexpected and life-changing reward.
This highlights the deeper truth that compassion and goodwill hold greater value
than money or social status. Ultimately, Wilde’s story teaches us that genuine
kindness is a priceless treasure that can transform lives and bring unexpected
blessings.

Acknowledgement
I am writing to express my sincere gratitude to all those who have supported me in
completing this project. With their active support, guidance and encouragement, I am able to
complete this project and submit it on time.