Synonyms
More meanings
Tip: select a single word for meaning & synonyms.
Select multiple words normally to copy text.
The Model Millionaire: ICSE Class 9 English story answers, notes
Get notes, line-by-line explanation, summary, questions and answers, critical analysis, word meanings, MCQs, competency based questions, extras, and pdf of the story The Model Millionaire by Oscar Wilde which is part of ICSE Class 9 English (Treasure Chest) syllabus. However, the notes should only be treated for references and changes should be made according to the needs of the students.
If you notice any errors in the notes, please mention them in the comments
Summary
The story titled “The Model Millionaire” by Oscar Wilde revolves around the themes of appearances, generosity, and the unexpected twists of fate.
Hughie Erskine is a good-looking, charming young man who, despite his many talents, has never been successful at making money. He lives off a small allowance from an old aunt and has tried various professions, but none have been fruitful. He is in love with Laura Merton, the daughter of a retired Colonel. The Colonel has set a condition for their marriage: Hughie must have £10,000 of his own before he can marry Laura.
One day, Hughie visits his artist friend, Alan Trevor, and finds him painting a portrait of a beggar. The beggar’s miserable appearance evokes pity in Hughie. During a brief absence of Trevor, Hughie generously gives the beggar a sovereign, believing him to be in dire need.
Later, to Hughie’s astonishment, Trevor reveals that the “beggar” is none other than Baron Hausberg, one of the richest men in Europe. The Baron had commissioned Trevor to paint him as a beggar. Hughie is embarrassed and dismayed, realizing he gave a sovereign to a millionaire.
The next day, an old gentleman visits Hughie on behalf of Baron Hausberg and hands him a letter. Inside the envelope is a cheque for £10,000, a wedding gift for Hughie and Laura from the “old beggar.” The story concludes with their wedding, where the Baron gives a speech, and Alan Trevor humorously comments on the rarity of “model millionaires.”
Evergreen workbook answers/solutions
Multiple Choice Questions
1. With reference to the story The Model Millionaire’, Hughie’s mistaking the Baron as a beggar on the basis of his dress highlights the theme of
(a) man’s ignorance
(b) importance of wealth
(c) class consciousness
(d) appearance and reality
Answer: (d) appearance and reality
2. Select the option that shows the correct relationship between statement (1) and statement (2).
1. ‘He had every accomplishment except that of making money.
2. ‘Ultimately he became nothing, a delightful, ineffectual young man with a perfect profile and no profession.
(a) 1 is the cause for 2.
(b) 2 is an example of 1.
(c) 1 is in contradiction of 2.
(d) 1 is independent of 2.
Answer: (a) 1 is the cause for 2.
3. On having a look at the model, Hughie says, “What an amazing model !”
Which of the following words best describes his mood ?
(a) envious
(b) frustrated
(c) happy
(d) surprised
Answer: (d) surprised
4. Choose the option that lists the sequence of events in the correct order.
1. Hughie gives some money to the old beggar in his friend’s studio.
2. Trevor is giving the finishing touches to a wonderful picture.
3. Hughie comes to know that the old beggar was in fact Baron Hausberg, a millionaire.
4. Hughie thought that the old beggar looked miserable and his clothes were worn out.
(a) 3, 2, 4, 1
(b) 2, 4, 1, 3
(c) 1, 3, 4, 2
(d) 3, 2, 1, 4
Answer: (b) 2, 4, 1, 3
5. Which of the following statements in NOT true of Hughie ?
(a) Hughie is the friend of a painter named Trevor.
(b) Hughie takes pity on the old beggar.
(c) Hughie does not know that the old beggar is a millionaire named Baron Hausberg.
(d) Hughie makes a wonderful picture of the millionaire man and gets a lot of money.
Answer: (d) Hughie makes a wonderful picture of the millionaire man and gets a lot of money.
6. Hughie’s giving a sovereign to the beggar who actually was a millionaire, shows that he is __________ .
(a) foolish and ignorant
(b) innocent and stupid
(c) kind and sympathetic
(d) hard-hearted and boastful
Answer: (c) kind and sympathetic
7. According to the writer romance is the privilege of the __________ .
(a) poor
(b) rich
(c) talented
(d) deserving
Answer: (b) rich
8. Trevor says, “Such beggars are not to be met with everyday”. In which tone is this sentence spoken ?
(a) humorous
(b) ironical
(c) contemptuous
(d) all of the above
Answer: (b) ironical
(b) Recalling and Understanding :
9. Hughie’s father has bequeathed him a History of the Peninsular war in fifteen volumes and a __________ .
(a) beautiful bunglow
(b) ten thousand pounds
(c) a cavalry sword
(d) gun
Answer: (c) a cavalry sword
10. Laura Merton adored Hughie but she was not prepared to disregard her __________ .
(a) mother’s ambition
(b) father’s wishes
(c) own aspirations
(d) dear friends
Answer: (b) father’s wishes
11. Alan Trevor was not only a painter but also __________ .
(a) a musician
(b) a dancer
(c) an artist
(d) a businessman
Answer: (c) an artist
12. The beggar in Trevor’s studio had in one hand a stick and __________ in the other.
(a) a bag
(b) a begging bowl
(c) a few currently notes
(d) a battered hat
Answer: (d) a battered hat
13. “Don’t run away, Hughie,” he said, as he went out, “I will be back in a moment.” Where had ‘he’ gone?
(a) to the kitchen
(b) to talk to Baron Hausberg
(c) to see the frame maker
(d) to fetch paint
Answer: (c) to see the frame maker
14. To see what money he had, Hughie felt in his pockets. What could he find?
(a) a sovereign
(b) a sovereign and some coppers
(c) some stray coins
(d) all of the above
Answer: (b) a sovereign and some coppers
15. According to Trevor, an artist’s heart is in his __________ .
(a) mind
(b) head
(c) soul
(d) feelings
Answer: (b) head
16. When they were married who made a speech at the wedding breakfast ?
(a) Alan Trevor
(b) Baron Hausberg
(c) Laura Merton
(d) None of the above
Answer: (b) Baron Hausberg
Comprehension Passages
PASSAGE-1
He was as popular with men as he was with women, and he had every accomplishment except that of making money. 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. He had tried everything. He had gone on the Stock Exchange for six months; but what was a butterfly to do among bulls and bears?
1. Who is ‘he’ referred to in the first line? How does ‘he’ look?
Answer: ‘He’ referred to in the first line is Hughie Erskine. He was wonderfully good-looking, with his crisp brown hair, his clear-cut profile, and his grey eyes.
2. What kind of person was ‘he’?
Answer: Intellectually, he was not of much importance and never said a brilliant or even an ill-natured thing in his life. He was popular with men as well as with women and had every accomplishment except that of making money. Ultimately, he became nothing, a delightful, ineffectual young man with a perfect profile and no profession.
3. What did his father bequeath to him? What does it reveal?
Answer: His father had bequeathed him his cavalry sword, and a History of the Peninsular War in fifteen volumes. This reveals that his father might have had a military background or a strong interest in military history, and it also suggests that the family’s wealth was not substantial, as these were not monetary bequests, aligning with Hughie’s own lack of ability in making money.
4. What was his only means of sustenance?
Answer: His only means of sustenance was the two hundred a year that an old aunt allowed him.
5. Comment on the last line — ‘He had……… bears?’
Answer: The line, “but what was a butterfly to do among bulls and bears?” metaphorically illustrates Hughie’s unsuitability for the aggressive and competitive environment of the Stock Exchange. A butterfly, being delicate and perhaps flighty, is ill-equipped to navigate the ‘bulls’ and ‘bears,’ which represent the harsh dynamics of financial trading. This emphasizes his lack of business acumen and his gentle, possibly impractical, nature.
PASSAGE-2
To make matters worse, he was in love. The girl he loved was Laura Merton, the daughter of a retired Colonel who had lost his temper and his digestion in India, and had never found either of them again. Laura adored him, and he was ready to kiss her shoe-strings. They were the handsomest couple in London, and had not a penny-piece between them. The Colonel was very fond of Hughie, but would not hear of any engagement.
1. Describe the relationship between Hughie and Laura.
Answer: Laura adored Hughie, and he was ready to kiss her shoe-strings. They were the handsomest couple in London, though they had not a penny-piece between them.
2. Which two things did the colonel lose in India?
Answer: The two things the retired Colonel had lost in India were his temper and his digestion.
3. What had made matters worse for Hughie?
Answer: What had made matters worse for Hughie was that he was in love, which was problematic given his financial situation and the Colonel’s conditions for marriage.
4. The Colonel was fond of Hughie. Still he did not allow him to marry his daughter. Why?
Answer: Although the Colonel was very fond of Hughie, he would not hear of any engagement because Hughie lacked financial means. The Colonel used to say, ‘Come to me, my boy, when you have got ten thousand pounds of your own, and we will see about it.’
5. Which sentence in the passage shows that Hughie was madly in love with Laura?
Answer: The sentence “he was ready to kiss her shoe-strings” shows that Hughie was madly in love with Laura.
PASSAGE-3
Personally 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. He had been very much attracted by Hughie at first, it must be acknowledged, entirely on account of his personal charm. ‘The only people a painter should know,’ he used to say, ‘are people who are beautiful, people who are an artistic pleasure to look at and an intellectual repose to talk to. Men who are dandies and women who are darlings rule the world, at least they should do so.’
1. Who is ‘he’ referred to in the first line? How does he look?
Answer: ‘He’ referred to in the first line is Alan Trevor. Personally, he was a strange rough fellow, with a freckled face and a red ragged beard.
2. What tells you that ‘he’ was a great painter?
Answer: What tells us that he was a great painter is that when he took up the brush he was a real master, and his pictures were eagerly sought after.
3. Who are the only people a painter should know?
Answer: According to Alan Trevor, the only people a painter should know are people who are beautiful, people who are an artistic pleasure to look at and an intellectual repose to talk to.
4. Comment on ‘his’ opinion about the beautiful people.
Answer: Alan Trevor’s opinion was that beautiful people are an artistic pleasure to look at and an intellectual repose to talk to. This suggests he valued aesthetic appeal and perhaps a certain superficial charm or ease of company, which he found inspiring or suitable for an artist’s social circle, reflecting an aesthetic worldview that prioritized beauty and pleasantness.
5. Who according to ‘him’ rule the world? What do you think?
Answer: According to Alan Trevor, men who are dandies and women who are darlings rule the world, at least they should do so.
I think this is a rather witty and perhaps cynical observation characteristic of Oscar Wilde. While charm and appearance can certainly open doors and influence people, I believe that true leadership and the ability to effectively “rule the world” require more substantive qualities such as intelligence, integrity, vision, and competence. Dandies and darlings might hold social sway, but lasting power and positive impact often stem from deeper attributes.
PASSAGE-4
‘Well, I think the models should have a percentage,’ cried Hughie, laughing; ‘they work quite as hard as you do.’
‘Nonsense, nonsense! Why, look at the trouble of laying on the paint alone, and standing all day long at one’s easel! It’s all very well, Hughie, for you to talk, but I assure you that there are moments when Art almost attains to the dignity of manual labour. But you mustn’t chatter; I’m very busy. Smoke a cigarette, and keep quiet.’
After some time the servant came in, and told Trevor that the frame-maker wanted to speak to him.
1. What made Hughie say that the models should have a percentage in the sale price of a painting?
Answer: Hughie said that the models should have a percentage in the sale price of a painting because he believed that they work quite as hard as the painter does, looking at the effort involved in posing.
2. Why does Alan think that the work of an artist is more difficult than that of a model? What do you think of his opinion?
Answer: Alan thinks that the work of an artist is more difficult than that of a model because of the trouble of laying on the paint alone, and standing all day long at one’s easel. He also assures Hughie that there are moments when Art almost attains to the dignity of manual labour.
I think Alan’s opinion highlights the significant physical and mental exertion involved in creating art, which might often be underestimated. While a model’s work certainly requires endurance and patience, the artist’s work involves creative conception, technical skill, and sustained physical effort. Both roles are demanding in their own ways, but Alan emphasizes the active, creative, and laborious aspects of painting.
3. Comment on the line : There are moments when Art almost attains to the dignity of manual labour.
Answer: The line, “There are moments when Art almost attains to the dignity of manual labour,” spoken by Alan Trevor, is a somewhat ironic or self-deprecating remark. By stating that Art almost attains the dignity usually associated with hard, physical work, Trevor acknowledges the physical toll and effort involved in painting. He compares it to manual labour, perhaps to counter Hughie’s idea that models work just as hard, or to humorously elevate the perceived status of his profession by linking it to the respected concept of manual labour.
4. Who enters the studio and what does he tell Alan?
Answer: After some time, the servant came into the studio and told Trevor that the frame-maker wanted to speak to him.
5. When Alan goes out what does the beggar-man do? Why?
Answer: When Alan went out, the old beggar-man took advantage of Trevor’s absence to rest for a moment on a wooden bench that was behind him. He likely did this because standing for a long time as a model was tiring, and he wanted a moment of respite.
PASSAGE-5
The old man started, and a faint smile flitted across his withered lips. ‘Thank you, sir,’ he said, ‘thank you.’
Then Trevor arrived, and Hughie took his leave, blushing a little at what he had done. He spent the day with Laura, got a charming scolding for his extravagance, and had to walk home.
That night he strolled into the Palette Club about eleven o’clock, and found Trevor sitting by himself in the smoking-room drinking hock and seltzer.
‘Well, Alan, did you get the picture finished all right?’ he said, as he lit his cigarette.
1. What made the old man smile?
Answer: The old man started, and a faint smile flitted across his withered lips after Hughie had walked across the studio and slipped the sovereign into the beggar’s hand. The smile was his reaction to receiving this unexpected generosity.
2. “Hughie left blushing a little at what he had done”. What had he done?
Answer: Hughie had slipped the sovereign, which was all he could find in his pockets besides some coppers, into the beggar’s hand. He was blushing because of this act of giving money, perhaps feeling a mixture of shyness about his generosity and the satisfaction of a kind deed.
3. Why did Hughie receive a charming scolding from Laura?
Answer: Hughie received a charming scolding from Laura for his extravagance. This extravagance was his act of giving away the sovereign, which he had realized meant no hansoms for a fortnight. Laura likely scolded him, albeit charmingly, for spending money they could ill afford.
4. Why did Hughie have to walk home?
Answer: Hughie had to walk home as a consequence of his extravagance in giving away his sovereign. He had thought to himself that giving the sovereign meant no hansoms for a fortnight.
5. What information did Hughie want to have from Alan?
Answer: Hughie wanted to know from Alan if he had got the picture finished all right.
PASSAGE-6
‘My dear Alan,’ cried Hughie, ‘I shall probably find him waiting for me when I go home. But of course you are only joking. Poor old wretch! I wish I could do something for him. I think it is dreadful that any one should be so miserable. I have got heaps of old clothes at home – do you think he would care for any of them? Why, his rags were falling to bits.’
‘But he looks splendid in them,’ said Trevor. ‘I wouldn’t paint him in a frock-coat for anything. What you call rags I call romance. What seems poverty to you is picturesqueness to me. However, I’ll tell him of your offer.’
1. In which mood was Hughie? What had upset him?
Answer: Hughie was in a concerned, compassionate, and somewhat agitated mood. He was upset by the thought of the “poor old wretch” being so miserable, with his rags falling to bits, and he genuinely wished he could do something to help him.
2. What did Hughie have at home? What did he want to do with that?
Answer: Hughie had heaps of old clothes at home. He wanted to offer them to the beggar-man, asking Alan if he thought the beggar would care for any of them.
3. “But he looks splendid in them.” In which tone is this sentence spoken? Who utters this sentence?
Answer: This sentence, “But he looks splendid in them,” was uttered by Alan Trevor. The tone is likely somewhat dismissive of Hughie’s practical concern, or perhaps it reflects an artist’s detached and aesthetic appreciation, valuing the visual effect of the “rags” for his painting over the beggar’s supposed discomfort.
4. “I’ll tell him of your offer.” Which offer is referred to in this line?
Answer: The offer referred to in this line is Hughie’s offer to give the beggar-man some of the “heaps of old clothes” he had at home.
5. “What seems poverty, to you is picturesqueness to me.” What does the speaker mean by it? Do you agree or not? Give one reason.
Answer: When Alan Trevor, the speaker, says, “What seems poverty, to you is picturesqueness to me,” he means that what Hughie perceives as the harsh reality of poverty, such as rags and misery, he, as an artist, sees as visually interesting, aesthetically pleasing, or “picturesque” – something suitable for a painting, which he terms “romance.”
I do not entirely agree with this sentiment. While it is true that art can find beauty or interest in a wide range of subjects, including depictions of poverty, Trevor’s statement appears to dismiss the human suffering that often accompanies poverty. It reflects a certain detachment that prioritizes artistic representation over an empathetic understanding of the human condition. One reason is that reducing an individual’s hardship to mere “picturesqueness” can feel dehumanizing and overlook the real struggles involved.
PASSAGE-7
‘My dear boy,’ said Trevor, smiling, ‘that old beggar, as you call him, is one of the richest men in Europe. He could buy all London tomorrow without overdrawing his account. He has a house in every capital, dines off gold plates and can prevent Russia going to war when he chooses.’
‘What on earth do you mean?’ exclaimed Hughie.
‘What I say,’ said Trevor. ‘The old man you saw to-day in the studio was Baron Hausberg. He is a great friend of mine, buys all my pictures and that sort of thing, and gave me a commission a month ago to paint him as a beggar. And I must say he made a magnificent figure in his rags, or perhaps I should say in my rags; they are an old suit I got in Spain.’
1. What shocked Hughie into disbelief?
Answer: Hughie was shocked into disbelief by Alan Trevor’s revelation that the old beggar, as Hughie called him, was actually Baron Hausberg, one of the richest men in Europe. This was particularly shocking because Hughie had pitied his supposed poverty and had given him a sovereign.
2. What did Alan say about the ‘old beggar’s financial position?
Answer: Alan said that the ‘old beggar’ is one of the richest men in Europe, who could buy all London tomorrow without overdrawing his account. He added that the Baron has a house in every capital, dines off gold plates, and can prevent Russia going to war when he chooses.
3. How was Baron Hausberg a friend of Alan?
Answer: Baron Hausberg was a great friend of Alan Trevor; he bought all of Alan’s pictures and that sort of thing.
4. What for did Baron Hausberg give the commission to Alan?
Answer: Baron Hausberg gave Alan the commission a month ago to paint him as a beggar.
5. Comment on the rags worn by the old ‘beggar’. Why do rich men behave oddly at times?
Answer: The rags worn by the old ‘beggar’, Baron Hausberg, were not his own but an old suit that Alan Trevor had got in Spain. They were part of the costume for the portrait Alan was painting.
Rich men, like Baron Hausberg, might behave oddly at times due to various reasons such as whimsy, a desire for unique or novel experiences, eccentricity, or perhaps a detached curiosity about lives different from their own. In this case, posing as a beggar was a deliberate choice for the sake of art, as he had commissioned Alan to paint him in that guise, which could be seen as a playful or eccentric act for someone of his immense wealth.
Project Assignment
1. How does Baron Hausberg demonstrate that he is both; a model millionaire and a millionaire model?
Answer: Baron Hausberg demonstrates that he is a millionaire model by being a millionaire who poses as a beggar for a portrait. He is whimsical and not proud of his wealth, successfully taking on the role of a beggar with tattered clothes and patched boots for Alan Trevor’s painting, making him a successful model.
He demonstrates he is a model millionaire through his actions after learning about Hughie’s kindness and financial predicament. Despite being immensely wealthy, he accepts the sovereign Hughie gives him out of pity. More importantly, he has a heart of gold. When he learns about Hughie’s problems, particularly the condition set by Laura’s father, he decides to help. He quietly sends a messenger with an envelope containing a cheque for ten thousand pounds as a wedding present. This act of generosity, enabling Hughie to marry Laura, shows him to be a model for others, proving he is not only a millionaire who models but also a model of a millionaire who possesses kindness and generosity, as Alan rightly describes him.
2. In this story, humble and kind natured Hughie gains happiness. Describe the way it happens with him.
Answer: Humble and kind-natured Hughie gains happiness through an unexpected turn of events stemming from his inherent generosity. Hughie, a charming but unsuccessful young man, is in love with Laura Merton but cannot marry her due to his lack of ten thousand pounds. One day, visiting his painter friend Alan Trevor, he sees an old man posing as a beggar. Touched by the model’s miserable appearance, Hughie, despite his own limited means, gives the “beggar” a sovereign, the largest denomination coin he has.
Later, Hughie is shocked to learn from Alan that the beggar was actually Baron Hausberg, one of Europe’s richest men. Hughie is embarrassed, fearing he has made a fool of himself. However, Baron Hausberg, far from being offended, is greatly impressed by Hughie’s selfless act of kindness, especially after Alan tells him about Hughie’s financial situation and his love for Laura. The next morning, a messenger from the Baron delivers an envelope to Hughie. Inside is a cheque for ten thousand pounds, a wedding present “from an old beggar.” This generous gift fulfills the condition set by Laura’s father, allowing Hughie to marry Laura and thus gain happiness. His happiness, therefore, is a direct result of his compassionate nature and an impulsive act of kindness towards someone he believed to be less fortunate.
3. ‘Luck and chance play a great role in life.’ Illustrate the statement with reference to this story.
Answer: The statement ‘Luck and chance play a great role in life’ is well illustrated by Hughie Erskine’s experiences in the story. Hughie, despite being good-looking and popular, is ineffectual in his career and lacks the financial means to marry Laura Merton. His life takes a dramatic turn due to a series of chance occurrences.
Firstly, it was by chance that Hughie decided to visit his friend Alan Trevor’s studio on that particular morning. Secondly, it was by chance that Baron Hausberg, a billionaire, was posing as a beggar model at that exact time. Hughie had no prior knowledge of the Baron or his disguise. Thirdly, Hughie’s impulsive act of giving the sovereign to the “beggar” was a spontaneous decision, not a calculated one. He could not have known the true identity of the model or the potential consequences of his action.
Furthermore, Alan Trevor’s subsequent conversation with Baron Hausberg, where he revealed Hughie’s circumstances, was also a chance event that played a crucial role. If Alan hadn’t shared these details, the Baron might not have been moved to such a generous act. The Baron’s decision to gift Hughie ten thousand pounds, which solved all his problems and allowed him to marry Laura, was an extraordinary stroke of luck for Hughie. It was not something he earned through his efforts or skills but rather a fortunate outcome of a chance encounter and a kind gesture. Thus, Hughie’s journey from a state of financial despair to happiness is a clear demonstration of how luck and chance can significantly influence one’s life.
4. What are the two major traits in the character of Hughie and Baron Hausberg that you like the most? Give a reasoned answer.
Answer: In the character of Hughie Erskine, the trait I like most is his inherent kindness and compassion. Despite his own financial struggles and lack of success, Hughie is genuinely moved by the sight of the “beggar” model looking so forlorn and wretched. He doesn’t hesitate to give away the only sovereign he has, even though he knows it means “no hansoms for a fortnight.” This selfless act, performed without any expectation of reward and towards someone he believes is far worse off than himself, reveals a truly generous spirit. It’s this unpretentious goodness that ultimately leads to his happiness, and it’s an admirable quality because it shows a capacity for empathy that transcends his personal difficulties.
In the character of Baron Hausberg, the trait I admire most is his magnanimity and his ability to appreciate and reward genuine kindness. Despite his immense wealth and status, he is not offended by Hughie’s mistaken act of charity. Instead, he is “greatly influenced by his generosity.” He doesn’t just dismiss the incident or return the sovereign; he takes the trouble to learn about Hughie’s circumstances and then performs an act of extraordinary generosity by gifting him ten thousand pounds. This shows that he values human goodness above social standing or wealth. His willingness to help Hughie in such a significant way, and to do so with a touch of humor by signing the gift “from an old beggar,” demonstrates a large-heartedness and a playful spirit that is very likable. He uses his wealth not just for personal indulgence but to bring happiness to others, making him a “model millionaire.”
Morning Star workbook answers/solutions
Multiple Choice Questions II
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: (c) In his work
Comprehension Passages II
Passage 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. These are the great truths of modern life which Hughie Erskine never realised. Poor Hughie! Intellectually, we must admit, he was not of much importance. He never said a brilliant or even an ill-natured thing in his life. But then he was wonderfully good-looking, with his crisp brown hair, his clear-cut profile, and his grey eyes.
(i) What is said about wealth in the extract? Give the meaning of “The poor should be prosaic”.
Answer: The extract suggests that wealth is necessary for romance and charm. It states that romance is a privilege of the rich, not something for the unemployed. The phrase “The poor should be prosaic” means that the poor should focus on practical and realistic matters, rather than indulging in fanciful or romantic ideals.
(ii) Give two positive qualities of Hughie. What was his drawback?
Answer: Hughie was wonderfully good-looking, with crisp brown hair, a clear-cut profile, and grey eyes. He was also popular with both men and women. However, his drawback was that he lacked intellectual significance and never managed to make money.
(iii) What did his father bequeath him? What did he do with his inheritance?
Answer: Hughie’s father bequeathed him his cavalry sword and a History of the Peninsular War in fifteen volumes. Hughie hung the sword over his mirror and placed the books on a shelf but did not do anything substantial with these inheritances
(iv) How did Hughie make a living? What was his experience in the Stock Exchange and in other concerns?
Answer: Hughie lived on an allowance of two hundred pounds a year from an old aunt. He tried working on the Stock Exchange for six months but did not succeed. He also briefly worked as a tea merchant and attempted to sell dry sherry, but neither venture worked out for him.
(v) Give the meaning of the following: “Ultimately he became nothing, a delightful ineffectual young man with a perfect profile and no profession.”
Answer: This phrase means that Hughie, despite his charm and good looks, ultimately achieved nothing of significance. He remained an attractive, pleasant person but lacked any professional success or clear purpose in life.
Passage 2
To make matters worse, he was in love. The girl he loved was Laura Merton, the daughter of a retired Colonel who had lost his temper and his digestion in India, and had never found either of them again. Laura adored him, and he was ready to kiss her shoe-strings.
(i) Who is he’ referred to in the extract? What troubles he had earlier in his life?
Answer: The “he” in the extract refers to Hughie Erskine. Earlier in his life, Hughie faced several troubles, primarily financial instability. Despite being charming and popular, he lacked the ability to make money. He tried different professions, such as working on the Stock Exchange, being a tea-merchant, and selling dry sherry, but none of these ventures succeeded, leaving him with no stable income.
(i) Give the meaning of “who had lost his temper and digestion in India.” With reference to India, what theme is referred to?
Answer: This phrase refers to Laura Merton’s father, the retired Colonel. It suggests that the Colonel’s experiences in India, likely due to the stress and challenges of his military service, caused him to become irritable and suffer from health problems, particularly related to his digestion. The theme here reflects the common trope of British officers returning from colonial service in India physically and emotionally worn down by the harsh conditions and the demanding nature of their roles.
(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 here is hyperbole. It is an exaggeration to emphasize how deeply Hughie loves Laura. The phrase implies that Hughie admires her so much that he would do anything for her, even perform a humble act like kissing her shoe-strings, which is used to express his devotion and adoration.
(iv) They were the handsomest couple in London’ but what was lacking in their lives? How did they obtain it?
Answer: What was lacking in their lives was financial stability. Although Hughie and Laura were in love and admired for their looks, they did not have enough money to marry. They obtained the money when Baron Hausberg, a wealthy man whom Hughie had mistakenly given money to, gifted them a cheque for £10,000 as a wedding present.
(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 was fond of Hughie but refused to allow his daughter to marry him until Hughie had £10,000. This shows that although Hughie was well-liked, he was seen as financially irresponsible and lacking the means to support a family. The Colonel’s attitude reflects his practical and cautious nature, prioritising financial security over emotions in considering marriage for his daughter.
Passage 3
One morning, as he was on his way to Holland Park, where the Mertons lived, he dropped in to see a great friend of his, Alan Trevor. Trevor was a painter. But he was also an artist, and artists are rather rare Personally 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.
(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, where the Mertons lived, to visit Laura Merton, the woman he loved. Hughie was courting Laura, but her father would only allow their engagement if Hughie could provide £10,000 of his own.
(ii) Describe Alan Trevor’s appearance.
Answer: Alan Trevor is described as a strange, rough fellow with a freckled face and a ragged red beard.
(iii) What is said about Trevor as an artist? Why was he attracted by Hughie?
Answer: Trevor was a talented painter, highly sought after for his artwork. He was initially attracted to Hughie because of his good looks and charming personality, which Trevor found aesthetically pleasing as a painter. However, Trevor also came to like Hughie for his bright, buoyant spirits and generous, reckless nature.
(iv) According to Trevor whom should an artist know?
Answer: According to Trevor, the only people a painter should know are those who are both “bête and beautiful,” meaning people who are pleasing to look at and not intellectually demanding to talk to.
(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 charm and personality, both for his good looks and for his bright and generous nature. This shows that Trevor was not only appreciative of beauty but also valued personal qualities like Hughie’s vivacity and generosity.
Passage 4
When Hughie came in he found Trevor putting the finishing touches to a wonderful life-size picture of a beggar-man. The beggar himself was standing on a raised platform in a corner of the studio. He was a wizened old man, with a face like wrinkled parchment, and a most piteous expression.
(i) Who was the beggar-man? Describe his appearance at the studio.
Answer: The beggar-man was actually Baron Hausberg, a wealthy man disguised as a beggar for Alan Trevor’s painting. At the studio, he appeared as a wizened old man, with a face resembling wrinkled parchment and a pitiable expression. He wore a coarse, tattered brown cloak, patched boots, and held out a battered hat for alms while leaning on a rough stick.
(ii) What was a model paid for a sitting? How much does an artist get for a picture?
Answer: A model was paid one shilling per hour for a sitting. The artist, Alan Trevor, mentioned that he would get two thousand guineas for the picture.
(iii) 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 receive a percentage of what the artist earned from the picture, as they worked just as hard. This reflects Victorian society’s class divide, where manual or less esteemed work, like modeling, was undervalued and poorly compensated compared to the intellectual or artistic work of the wealthy.
(iv) What does Trevor say to imply that artist’s work is hard?
Answer: Trevor remarked that “there are moments when Art almost attains to the dignity of manual labour,” suggesting that the physical and mental effort required for painting could be just as demanding as manual work.
(v) What is profitable-manual work or intellectual work? Why?
Answer: Intellectual work, such as being an artist, was far more profitable than manual labor. This is evident from the fact that while the model was paid only a shilling per hour, Trevor would receive two thousand guineas for his painting. This reflects the societal value placed on intellectual and creative professions over physical labor during that time.
Passage 5
Don’t run away, Hughie,” he said, as he went out, I will be back in a moment. The old beggar-man took advantage of Trevor’s absence to rest for a moment on a wooden bench that was behind him. He looked so forlorn and wretched that Hughie could not help pitying him.
(i) Why did Hughie pity the beggar-man? What did he do to help him?
Answer: Hughie pitied the beggar-man because he looked forlorn and wretched, with tattered clothes and a miserable expression. To help him, Hughie gave him a sovereign, even though it meant that he would have to go without certain luxuries for a while.
(ii) Which theme prevalent in the Victorian Period is shown in the action of Hughie?
Answer: The theme of charity and social inequality is prevalent in Hughie’s action. The Victorian era was marked by significant economic disparity, and Hughie’s gesture reflects the era’s concerns about the conditions of the poor, even though the beggar was actually a wealthy man in disguise.
(iii) What was the reaction of the beggar-man while receiving alms from Hughie?
Answer: The beggar-man, who was actually Baron Hausberg, started slightly and smiled faintly when he received the sovereign. He thanked Hughie graciously, though his reaction was mild compared to the significance of the gesture.
(iv) State the impact of Hughie’s charity.
Answer: Hughie’s charity had an unexpected impact: the beggar-man, revealed to be Baron Hausberg, was moved by Hughie’s generosity. As a result, Baron Hausberg gave Hughie a cheque for £10,000 as a wedding present, solving Hughie’s financial troubles and allowing him to marry Laura.
(v) What was the reaction of Laura and Trevor on Hughie’s charity?
Answer: Laura scolded Hughie lightly for his extravagance, though she was unaware of the beggar’s true identity. Trevor, on the other hand, found the situation amusing, laughing at Hughie’s mistake and later revealing the true identity of the beggar-man.
Passage 6
‘Finished and framed, my boy!” answered Trevor; ‘and, by the bye, you have made a conquest. That old model you saw is quite devoted to you. I had to tell him all about you – who you are, where you live, what your income is, what prospects you have –
(i) What conquest did Hughie make?
Answer: Hughie made a conquest of the old beggar-man, who turned out to be Baron Hausberg. The Baron was very impressed by Hughie’s kindness.
(ii) How was the conquest made?
Answer: The conquest was made when Hughie gave a sovereign to the beggar-man, not knowing that the man was actually a wealthy baron in disguise. The Baron’s admiration for Hughie’s generosity led to this “conquest.”
(iii) What was the immediate fear of Hughie when he would go home?
Answer: Hughie’s immediate fear when he would go home was that the beggar might be waiting for him, as Trevor had told the beggar all about Hughie’s life, including his income and personal details.
(iv) Give the meaning of :
(a) “What you call rags, | call romance. What seems poverty to you is picturesqueness to me”
Answer: This statement reflects the differing perspectives between an artist and a layperson. To Hughie, the beggar’s rags symbolize poverty and misery, but to Trevor, the artist, they represent beauty and inspiration, something that adds character and depth to his art.
(b) “An artist’s heart is in his head”
Answer: This phrase means that artists are guided by their intellect and creativity rather than their emotions. It suggests that artists may appear detached or unemotional because they prioritize their vision and interpretation of the world over sentimentality.
(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?
Answer: Trevor told the beggar-man all about Hughie, including details of his life, income, and his relationship with Laura. When Hughie found out, he was embarrassed and angry, as he did not expect his private affairs to be shared with a beggar, unaware of the beggar’s true identity as a millionaire.
Passage 7
The Baron,’ said the old gentleman with a smile, has commissioned me to bring you this letter’; and he extended a sealed envelope. On the outside was written, ‘A wedding present to Hugh Erskine and Laura Merton, from an old beggar,’ and inside was a cheque for £10,000. When they were married Alan Trevor was the best man, and the Baron made a speech at the wedding breakfast. ‘Millionaire models, remarked Alan, ‘are rare enough; 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?
Answer: The old gentleman was a representative of Baron Hausberg, who brought a letter from the Baron. The contents of the sealed envelope included a cheque for £10,000, as a wedding present for Hugh Erskine and Laura Merton from the “old beggar.”
(ii) 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 struggles from Alan Trevor, who had told him about Hughie’s personal affairs, including his need for £10,000 to marry Laura. The Baron, who was disguised as the beggar in Trevor’s studio, was moved by Hughie’s generosity in giving him a sovereign and decided to give him £10,000 as a wedding present.
(iii) What role did Trevor play in finalising Hughie’s marriage to Laura?
Answer: Trevor unknowingly played a crucial role by discussing Hughie’s financial struggles with Baron Hausberg, who later provided the money Hughie needed to marry Laura. Additionally, Trevor was Hughie’s best man at the wedding.
(iv) 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, giving a sovereign to whom he thought was a poor beggar, led to a remarkable outcome. The beggar turned out to be the wealthy Baron Hausberg, who rewarded Hughie’s generosity by gifting him a cheque for £10,000, which allowed him to marry Laura.
(v) Explain the meaning of : “Millionaire models are rare enough, but model millionaires are rare still!
Answer: This remark by Alan Trevor highlights the rarity of wealthy people (millionaires) posing as models, such as Baron Hausberg did. However, it also suggests that it is even more uncommon to find millionaires who are as kind and generous as the Baron, who not only posed as a model but also helped Hughie with a generous gift.
Extras
Questions and Answers
Extract 1
Poor Hughie! Intellectually, we must admit, he was not of much importance. He never said a brilliant or even an ill-natured thing in his life. But then he was wonderfully good-looking, with his crisp brown hair, his clear-cut profile, and his grey eyes. He was as popular with men as he was with women and he had every accomplishment except that of making money. His father had bequeathed him his cavalry sword and a History of the Peninsular War in fifteen volumes.
(i) How is Hughie Erskine characterised in terms of personality and appearance?
Answer: Hughie is portrayed as charming and attractive, with crisp brown hair, a clear-cut profile, and grey eyes. Although he is popular with both men and women due to his good looks, he lacks intellectual brilliance and is financially unsuccessful.
(ii) What did Hughie’s father leave him, and how does this reflect on Hughie’s situation?
Answer: Hughie’s father left him a cavalry sword and a History of the Peninsular War in fifteen volumes. This inheritance is symbolic of a bygone era of honour and duty, contrasting with Hughie’s modern, somewhat aimless life without a steady income.
(iii) What does Hughie’s failure to make money imply about his character and efforts?
Answer: Despite his many attempts at various careers, such as working on the Stock Exchange and selling tea and sherry, Hughie consistently failed to make a living. This suggests that while he may be charming and likeable, he lacks practical skills and perseverance in financial matters.
(iv) How does the story portray the importance of wealth in Hughie’s life?
Answer: The story emphasizes that, for someone like Hughie, wealth is an elusive but critical factor. His charm and appearance are not enough to secure a comfortable or stable life, and his inability to accumulate wealth puts him in a vulnerable position, particularly regarding his romantic aspirations.
(v) What does Hughie’s inheritance and subsequent lifestyle say about his social standing?
Answer: Hughie’s modest inheritance and the way he lives off a small allowance from his aunt reflect his diminished social standing. While he has some remnants of his family’s past, like the sword and books, he lacks the financial means to maintain the status or independence one might expect from someone with his background.
Extract 2
One morning, as he was on his way to Holland Park, where the Mertons lived, he dropped in to see a great friend of his, Alan Trevor. Trevor was a painter. Indeed, few people escape that nowadays. But he was also an artist, and artists are rather rare. Personally 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.
(i) Who is Alan Trevor, and how is he described?
Answer: Alan Trevor is a painter and a good friend of Hughie. He is described as a rough-looking man with a freckled face and a ragged red beard, but despite his appearance, he is a highly talented artist whose work is in demand.
(ii) How does Trevor’s personality contrast with his artistic abilities?
Answer: While Trevor is rough in appearance and manner, his skill as a painter is extraordinary. This contrast suggests that his outward appearance belies his inner talent, reflecting the common theme in the story of not judging by appearances.
(iii) Why is Hughie drawn to Trevor’s studio?
Answer: Hughie is drawn to Trevor’s studio because of their friendship and perhaps also because of the artistic atmosphere that Trevor’s talent creates. Hughie admires Trevor’s ability and finds the world of art appealing, even if he does not fully grasp its significance.
(iv) How does Trevor view Hughie?
Answer: Trevor initially liked Hughie primarily for his physical charm, which aligns with the visual nature of his art. However, as they became better friends, Trevor grew fond of Hughie for his bright, optimistic spirit and generous, carefree nature, appreciating him beyond surface-level traits.
(v) How does Trevor represent the theme of appearance versus reality?
Answer: Trevor embodies the theme of appearance versus reality by being a rough-looking man with a sensitive, artistic soul. He understands beauty deeply, despite his outward gruffness, which aligns with the broader theme in the story that things—and people—are not always what they seem.
Extract 3
When Hughie came in, he found Trevor putting the finishing touches to a wonderful life-size picture of a beggar-man. The beggar himself was standing on a raised platform in a corner of the studio. He was 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.
(i) What is Trevor working on when Hughie visits him?
Answer: Trevor is working on a life-size painting of a beggar-man, capturing the man’s piteous appearance in great detail. The beggar is depicted in ragged clothes, with a wrinkled face and a sad expression, standing in a posture of supplication.
(ii) How does Hughie react to the sight of the beggar model?
Answer: Hughie is struck by the beggar’s miserable appearance and expresses pity for the man. He even remarks on how forlorn and wretched the beggar looks, which highlights Hughie’s empathetic nature, despite his lack of awareness about the complexities of the situation.
(iii) What is the significance of the beggar’s detailed appearance in the painting?
Answer: The beggar’s detailed and vivid appearance serves as a critical element in Trevor’s work, as it reflects his artistic mastery in capturing human suffering and emotion. For Trevor, the beggar’s face is a source of inspiration and a reflection of life’s harsh realities, which contrasts with Hughie’s more superficial perception of the scene.
(iv) What does the beggar-man’s appearance represent in the story?
Answer: The beggar-man’s appearance represents the harshness of poverty, but also the contrast between outward appearances and inner realities. This motif runs throughout the story, as the beggar’s true identity as a wealthy baron is eventually revealed, underscoring the theme of deception through appearances.
(v) How does the beggar model contribute to the development of the story’s themes?
Answer: The beggar model plays a central role in the story’s exploration of themes like charity, generosity, and the disparity between appearance and reality. His ragged appearance elicits sympathy from Hughie, leading to the key moment where Hughie unknowingly gives him a sovereign, setting up the story’s twist ending.
Extract 4
The old beggar-man took advantage of Trevor’s absence to rest for a moment on a wooden bench that was behind him. He looked so forlorn and wretched that Hughie could not help pitying him, and felt in his pockets to see what money he had. All he could find was a sovereign and some coppers. ‘Poor old fellow,’ he thought to himself, ‘he wants it more than I do, but it means no hansoms for a fortnight’; and he walked across the studio and slipped the sovereign into the beggar’s hand.
(i) Why does Hughie give the beggar a sovereign?
Answer: Hughie gives the beggar a sovereign out of pity for his seemingly miserable condition. Although the money is significant for Hughie, he believes the beggar needs it more, showing his generous nature.
(ii) What is the significance of Hughie giving away a sovereign?
Answer: The sovereign represents a significant portion of Hughie’s limited funds, emphasizing his impulsive generosity. It also sets up the later twist in the story, where the beggar is revealed to be a wealthy baron.
(iii) How does Hughie justify his action to himself?
Answer: Hughie justifies his action by telling himself that the beggar is more in need of the money than he is, even though giving away the sovereign means he won’t be able to afford conveniences like hansom cabs for a fortnight.
(iv) What does Hughie’s act of charity reveal about his character?
Answer: Hughie’s act of giving away a sovereign reveals his compassion and generosity, even though he himself is not wealthy. It demonstrates his tendency to act from the heart, without considering the consequences.
(v) How does this moment contribute to the story’s overall theme?
Answer: This moment highlights the theme of appearance versus reality. Hughie believes the beggar is poor and in need of charity, but this assumption is later proven false, creating the story’s ironic twist.
Extract 5
‘The old man you saw today in the studio was Baron Hausberg. He is a great friend of mine, buys all my pictures and that sort of thing, and gave me a commission a month ago to paint him as a beggar. Que voulez-vous? La fantaisie d’un millionnaire!’
(i) Who is the old man Hughie gave money to, according to Trevor?
Answer: The old man is actually Baron Hausberg, a wealthy friend of Trevor who commissioned him to paint a portrait of himself as a beggar.
(ii) Why was Baron Hausberg posing as a beggar in Trevor’s studio?
Answer: Baron Hausberg was posing as a beggar because he commissioned Trevor to paint him in that role. It was a whimsical request from a man of great wealth.
(iii) How does Trevor’s revelation about the beggar alter Hughie’s perception of his actions?
Answer: Trevor’s revelation shocks Hughie, making him realise that he gave money to one of the wealthiest men in Europe, not a poor beggar. This shift causes Hughie to feel foolish and embarrassed for his earlier act of charity.
(iv) What does Trevor mean by ‘La fantaisie d’un millionnaire’?
Answer: Trevor’s phrase ‘La fantaisie d’un millionnaire’ means ‘the whim of a millionaire.’ He is referring to Baron Hausberg’s eccentric decision to commission a painting of himself as a beggar, which is something only a very wealthy person would do for amusement.
(v) How does this revelation tie into the story’s theme of appearance versus reality?
Answer: This revelation reinforces the theme of appearance versus reality by showing that the beggar’s appearance was deceptive; underneath the rags was a millionaire. The irony of Hughie’s charitable act is that he gave money to someone who needed it the least.
Extract 6
‘I beg, sir, that you will offer him my sincerest apologies,’ stammered Hughie. ‘The Baron,’ said the old gentleman with a smile, ‘has commissioned me to bring you this letter’; and he extended a sealed envelope. On the outside was written, ‘A wedding present to Hugh Erskine and Laura Merton, from an old beggar,’ and inside was a cheque for £10,000.
(i) What does the Baron send to Hughie after learning about his generosity?
Answer: The Baron sends Hughie a cheque for £10,000 as a wedding present, acknowledging Hughie’s generosity in giving him a sovereign when he was disguised as a beggar.
(ii) How does Hughie react to the Baron’s letter and gift?
Answer: Hughie is stunned and humbled by the Baron’s gesture. He had never expected such a generous response, especially after feeling embarrassed about his earlier charitable act.
(iii) What does the phrase ‘from an old beggar’ on the cheque symbolize?
Answer: The phrase ‘from an old beggar’ is a playful nod to the Baron’s disguise when Hughie gave him the sovereign. It symbolises the Baron’s appreciation of Hughie’s kindness and serves as a reminder of the story’s theme of appearance versus reality.
(iv) Why is the cheque significant to Hughie’s future?
Answer: The cheque is significant because it provides Hughie with the financial means to marry Laura Merton, resolving the central conflict of the story—Hughie’s lack of money. The Baron’s gift secures Hughie’s future happiness.
(v) How does this moment serve as the climax of the story?
Answer: This moment serves as the climax because it brings together the story’s themes and resolves the main conflict. The irony of Hughie’s generous but misguided act is turned into a blessing, showing that kindness, even when misplaced, can bring unexpected rewards.
Extract 7
‘When they were married Alan Trevor was the best man, and the Baron made a speech at the wedding breakfast. “Millionaire models,” remarked Alan, “are rare enough; but, by Jove, model millionaires are rarer still!”’
(i) What role does Alan Trevor play in Hughie’s wedding?
Answer: Alan Trevor serves as the best man at Hughie’s wedding, symbolising his close friendship with Hughie and his involvement in the chain of events leading to Hughie’s good fortune.
(ii) How does the Baron participate in Hughie’s wedding?
Answer: The Baron attends Hughie’s wedding and makes a speech during the wedding breakfast, celebrating the union and his role in helping Hughie achieve financial stability.
(iii) What is the meaning behind Trevor’s remark about ‘model millionaires’?
Answer: Trevor’s remark that ‘model millionaires are rarer still’ is a witty comment on the Baron’s generosity. It highlights the rarity of wealthy people who are not only financially successful but also charitable and kind, as the Baron has proven himself to be.
(iv) How does this ending reflect the story’s overall tone and message?
Answer: The ending reflects the story’s lighthearted and ironic tone, where generosity and kindness are rewarded in unexpected ways. It conveys the message that appearances can be deceiving, but genuine acts of kindness transcend surface-level judgments.
(v) What does the wedding signify in terms of resolution for Hughie’s character?
Answer: The wedding signifies the resolution of Hughie’s struggles, both financially and romantically. The Baron’s gift allows him to overcome the obstacle of poverty, and his marriage to Laura marks the fulfillment of his dreams.
MCQs (Knowledge Based)
1. Hughie Erskine’s financial situation was such that he lived on:
(a) profits from the Stock Exchange.
(b) earnings from his job as a tea-merchant.
(c) two hundred a year allowed by an old aunt.
(d) income from selling dry sherry.
Answer: (c) two hundred a year allowed by an old aunt.
2. Which of these was NOT a characteristic of Hughie Erskine?
(a) He was wonderfully good-looking.
(b) He was very successful in making money.
(c) He was popular with both men and women.
(d) He had a perfect profile and no profession.
Answer: (b) He was very successful in making money.
3. The great truths of modern life, which Hughie Erskine never realized, suggested that:
(a) being charming was more important than being wealthy.
(b) romance was the profession of the unemployed.
(c) it is better to have a permanent income than to be fascinating.
(d) the poor should be romantic and poetic.
Answer: (c) it is better to have a permanent income than to be fascinating.
4. What had Hughie Erskine’s father bequeathed to him?
(a) A large sum of money and a house.
(b) His cavalry sword and a History of the Peninsular War.
(c) A thriving business and shares in the Stock Exchange.
(d) A permanent income and a collection of art.
Answer: (b) His cavalry sword and a History of the Peninsular War.
5. Laura Merton’s father, the retired Colonel, had a condition for Hughie’s engagement to his daughter, which was that Hughie must:
(a) find a respectable profession.
(b) prove his intellectual brilliance.
(c) inherit a fortune from his aunt.
(d) have ten thousand pounds of his own.
Answer: (d) have ten thousand pounds of his own.
6. Alan Trevor, the painter, was described as:
(a) a polished gentleman with refined manners.
(b) a strange rough fellow with a freckled face and a red ragged beard.
(c) an unsuccessful artist struggling for recognition.
(d) a quiet and reserved man, focused only on his art.
Answer: (b) a strange rough fellow with a freckled face and a red ragged beard.
7. According to Alan Trevor, the only people a painter should know are those who:
(a) are wealthy and can buy paintings.
(b) are influential and can promote his work.
(c) are beautiful and an artistic pleasure to look at.
(d) are critics and can provide intellectual feedback.
Answer: (c) are beautiful and an artistic pleasure to look at.
8. The beggar-man posing as a model in Alan Trevor’s studio was depicted with:
(a) a cheerful expression and fine clothes.
(b) a face like wrinkled parchment and a most piteous expression.
(c) a strong physique and a confident stance.
(d) new boots and a well-maintained cloak.
Answer: (b) a face like wrinkled parchment and a most piteous expression.
9. When Hughie first saw the beggar model, he whispered to Alan Trevor:
(a) “How much do you pay him?”
(b) “He looks rather unhappy.”
(c) “What an amazing model!”
(d) “Can I offer him some money?”
Answer: (c) “What an amazing model!”
10. Alan Trevor believed that an etching of the beggar model would have been wonderfully made by:
(a) Velasquez.
(b) Himself.
(c) Leonardo da Vinci.
(d) Rembrandt.
Answer: (d) Rembrandt.
11. How much did Alan Trevor say a model typically gets for sitting?
(a) A percentage of the painting’s sale price.
(b) Two thousand guineas.
(c) A shilling an hour.
(d) A sovereign a day.
Answer: (c) A shilling an hour.
12. Hughie Erskine suggested that the model should get a percentage of the picture’s price because:
(a) models are generally very poor.
(b) they work quite as hard as the painter.
(c) it would make them pose better.
(d) painters earn too much money.
Answer: (b) they work quite as hard as the painter.
13. Alan Trevor countered Hughie’s suggestion about the model’s pay by emphasizing:
(a) the model’s lack of artistic skill.
(b) the short hours a model works.
(c) the trouble of laying on paint and standing all day at the easel.
(d) the high cost of art supplies.
Answer: (c) the trouble of laying on paint and standing all day at the easel.
14. What did Hughie find in his pockets when he decided to give money to the beggar-man?
(a) Only a few coppers.
(b) A ten-pound note.
(c) A sovereign and some coppers.
(d) Several shillings.
Answer: (c) A sovereign and some coppers.
15. After giving the sovereign to the beggar, Hughie thought to himself that:
(a) the beggar would now be rich.
(b) Alan Trevor would be impressed by his generosity.
(c) it meant no hansoms for a fortnight.
(d) he should have given more.
Answer: (c) it meant no hansoms for a fortnight.
16. When Hughie met Alan Trevor at the Palette Club, Trevor told him that the old model:
(a) had complained about the pay.
(b) was quite devoted to Hughie.
(c) had asked for Hughie’s address to thank him.
(d) was actually a famous art critic.
Answer: (b) was quite devoted to Hughie.
17. What did Hughie offer to give the “poor old wretch” of a model?
(a) More money.
(b) A meal.
(c) Heaps of old clothes.
(d) A job.
Answer: (c) Heaps of old clothes.
18. How did Alan Trevor describe what Hughie called “rags”?
(a) As a sign of extreme poverty.
(b) As something to be ashamed of.
(c) As romance and picturesqueness.
(d) As unsuitable for a painting.
Answer: (c) As romance and picturesqueness.
19. According to Alan Trevor, an artist’s heart is in his:
(a) soul.
(b) brush.
(c) eyes.
(d) head.
Answer: (d) head.
20. Hughie became very red and angry when Alan Trevor told him that:
(a) the painting of the beggar was not good.
(b) he had sold the painting for a very low price.
(c) he had told the old beggar all about Hughie’s private affairs, including Laura and the £10,000.
(d) the model had refused Hughie’s offer of old clothes.
Answer: (c) he had told the old beggar all about Hughie’s private affairs, including Laura and the £10,000.
21. The “old beggar” model was revealed by Alan Trevor to be:
(a) a struggling actor.
(b) a former artist.
(c) Baron Hausberg, one of the richest men in Europe.
(d) Alan Trevor’s distant relative.
Answer: (c) Baron Hausberg, one of the richest men in Europe.
22. Which of these was NOT stated by Alan Trevor about Baron Hausberg?
(a) He could buy all London without overdrawing his account.
(b) He owned a famous art gallery.
(c) He had a house in every capital.
(d) He could prevent Russia going to war when he chose.
Answer: (b) He owned a famous art gallery.
23. Why had Baron Hausberg commissioned Alan Trevor to paint him as a beggar?
(a) He had lost all his money.
(b) It was for a fancy-dress party.
(c) It was a whimsical request as he was Alan’s friend and bought his pictures.
(d) He wanted to experience poverty.
Answer: (c) It was a whimsical request as he was Alan’s friend and bought his pictures.
24. When Hughie cried, “Good heavens! I gave him a sovereign!”, Alan Trevor’s immediate reaction was to:
(a) congratulate Hughie on his generosity.
(b) offer to get the sovereign back.
(c) burst into a roar of laughter.
(d) express concern for Baron Hausberg’s feelings.
Answer: (c) burst into a roar of laughter.
25. Alan Trevor explained that he didn’t tell Hughie about Baron Hausberg’s identity earlier because:
(a) he wanted to test Hughie’s generosity.
(b) Baron Hausberg had sworn him to secrecy.
(c) he didn’t know if Hausberg would like his name mentioned as he wasn’t in full dress.
(d) he forgot to mention it.
Answer: (c) he didn’t know if Hausberg would like his name mentioned as he wasn’t in full dress.
26. After learning the truth about Baron Hausberg, Hughie felt that:
(a) he was a very lucky devil.
(b) he shouldn’t dare show his face in the Row.
(c) Alan Trevor was the best friend he ever had.
(d) Baron Hausberg would surely reward him.
Answer: (b) he shouldn’t dare show his face in the Row.
27. The card brought to Hughie the next morning announced a visitor named Monsieur Gustave Naudin, who was:
(a) a frame-maker sent by Alan Trevor.
(b) a debt collector.
(c) on behalf of M. le Baron Hausberg.
(d) Laura Merton’s father.
Answer: (c) on behalf of M. le Baron Hausberg.
28. What was written on the outside of the sealed envelope given to Hughie by Monsieur Naudin?
(a) “To Hughie Erskine, with compliments from Baron Hausberg.”
(b) “An apology from Baron Hausberg.”
(c) “A wedding present to Hugh Erskine and Laura Merton, from an old beggar.”
(d) “Confidential: For Mr. Hughie Erskine only.”
Answer: (c) “A wedding present to Hugh Erskine and Laura Merton, from an old beggar.”
29. What was inside the envelope given to Hughie?
(a) An invitation to dine with Baron Hausberg.
(b) A letter of thanks for the sovereign.
(c) A cheque for £10,000.
(d) A portrait of Baron Hausberg as a beggar.
Answer: (c) A cheque for £10,000.
30. At Hughie and Laura’s wedding breakfast, Alan Trevor remarked that:
(a) Hughie was the luckiest man alive.
(b) Baron Hausberg was a true gentleman.
(c) millionaire models are rare, but model millionaires are rarer still.
(d) love conquers all, even poverty.
Answer: (c) millionaire models are rare, but model millionaires are rarer still.
31. Hughie Erskine’s attempt to work on the Stock Exchange for six months was unsuccessful, metaphorically described as a “butterfly” among:
(a) wolves and sheep.
(b) lions and tigers.
(c) bulls and bears.
(d) sharks and minnows.
Answer: (c) bulls and bears.
32. The retired Colonel, Laura Merton’s father, was characterized as having lost which two things in India?
(a) His fortune and his health.
(b) His military rank and his reputation.
(c) His temper and his digestion.
(d) His youth and his hair.
Answer: (c) His temper and his digestion.
33. The story suggests that Baron Hausberg gifted Hughie ten thousand pounds primarily because:
(a) he felt sorry for Hughie’s poverty.
(b) Alan Trevor persuaded him to do so.
(c) he was greatly influenced by Hughie’s spontaneous act of generosity.
(d) he wanted to ensure his portrait as a beggar became famous.
Answer: (c) he was greatly influenced by Hughie’s spontaneous act of generosity.
34. Which of these professions did Hughie Erskine NOT try his hand at?
(a) Tea-merchant.
(b) Selling dry sherry.
(c) Stock Exchange broker.
(d) A writer for Bailey’s Magazine.
Answer: (d) A writer for Bailey’s Magazine.
35. When Hughie gave the sovereign, he knew it meant no “hansoms” for a fortnight. What are hansoms?
(a) Expensive meals.
(b) Theatre tickets.
(c) Horse-drawn carriages.
(d) Cigarettes.
Answer: (c) Horse-drawn carriages.
36. Alan Trevor described the beggar model as a “wizened” old man. What does “wizened” mean?
(a) Wise and knowledgeable.
(b) Wealthy and influential.
(c) Cheerful and talkative.
(d) Wrinkled with age.
Answer: (d) Wrinkled with age.
37. Hughie was scolded by Laura for his “extravagance.” In this context, extravagance refers to his:
(a) lavish spending on gifts for Laura.
(b) act of giving a sovereign to the beggar.
(c) expensive taste in clothes.
(d) frequent visits to the Palette Club.
Answer: (b) act of giving a sovereign to the beggar.
38. The plot of the story involves a significant turning point for Hughie, which is:
(a) his decision to marry Laura despite his poverty.
(b) his chance meeting with Baron Hausberg in Alan Trevor’s studio.
(c) his success in finally finding a profitable profession.
(d) his aunt increasing his annual allowance.
Answer: (b) his chance meeting with Baron Hausberg in Alan Trevor’s studio.
39. A key theme highlighted by Hughie’s interaction with the disguised Baron is:
(a) the importance of social status.
(b) the unreliability of artists.
(c) the deceptive nature of appearances.
(d) the futility of romantic love.
Answer: (c) the deceptive nature of appearances.
40. The story ultimately establishes that true “model millionaires” are those who:
(a) accumulate the most wealth.
(b) are famous for their eccentricities.
(c) pose for famous artists.
(d) possess a heart of gold and act with generosity.
Answer: (d) possess a heart of gold and act with generosity.
41. Which of the following is NOT true about Alan Trevor’s character?
(a) He was a successful painter whose pictures were eagerly sought after.
(b) He was initially attracted to Hughie due to his intellect.
(c) He believed painters should know beautiful people.
(d) He acted as the best man at Hughie’s wedding.
Answer: (b) He was initially attracted to Hughie due to his intellect.
42. Baron Hausberg’s decision to pose as a beggar for a portrait demonstrates his:
(a) financial desperation.
(b) desire for public attention.
(c) whimsical nature.
(d) lack of respect for the poor.
Answer: (c) whimsical nature.
43. Hughie Erskine’s defining characteristic, which leads to his good fortune, is his:
(a) business acumen.
(b) artistic talent.
(c) inherent kindness and heart of gold.
(d) influential connections.
Answer: (c) inherent kindness and heart of gold.
44. The narrative style of the story is predominantly:
(a) first-person narration by Hughie.
(b) a collection of diary entries.
(c) third-person narration, occasionally with authorial commentary.
(d) an epistolary format, told through letters.
Answer: (c) third-person narration, occasionally with authorial commentary.
45. An example of an authorial intrusion or general observation made by the narrator is:
(a) “Hughie hung the first over his looking-glass.”
(b) “Romance is the privilege of the rich, not the profession of the unemployed.”
(c) “The beggar himself was standing on a raised platform.”
(d) “Alan Trevor was a painter.”
Answer: (b) “Romance is the privilege of the rich, not the profession of the unemployed.”
46. The use of “guineas” as a currency for the painting’s price helps to establish the story’s setting in:
(a) Modern-day America.
(b) Renaissance Italy.
(c) Victorian England.
(d) Ancient Rome.
Answer: (c) Victorian England.
47. The story emphasizes the materialistic aspects of life through:
(a) Hughie’s constant pursuit of wealth.
(b) the Colonel’s condition for Laura’s marriage.
(c) Alan Trevor’s obsession with selling paintings.
(d) Baron Hausberg’s display of his riches.
Answer: (b) the Colonel’s condition for Laura’s marriage.
48. Hughie Erskine can be best described as a misfit in:
(a) artistic circles.
(b) high society.
(c) the commercial world.
(d) romantic relationships.
Answer: (c) the commercial world.
49. The author seems to suggest that monetary gains bring true satisfaction when:
(a) they are earned through hard work.
(b) they are displayed to impress others.
(c) they are utilized to help others.
(d) they are invested wisely for future growth.
Answer: (c) they are utilized to help others.
50. The “History of the Peninsular War” bequeathed to Hughie consisted of:
(a) a single, concise volume.
(b) five illustrated books.
(c) fifteen volumes.
(d) an unpublished manuscript.
Answer: (c) fifteen volumes.
51. Alan Trevor’s studio was located in an area where Hughie was on his way to:
(a) the Stock Exchange.
(b) Holland Park, where the Mertons lived.
(c) his aunt’s residence.
(d) the Palette Club.
Answer: (b) Holland Park, where the Mertons lived.
52. The beggar model held out his battered hat with one hand, while with the other he:
(a) held a sign asking for money.
(b) leant on a rough stick.
(c) covered his face in shame.
(d) gestured towards the painting.
Answer: (b) leant on a rough stick.
53. When Alan Trevor said, “Painters, poets, and physicians always get guineas,” he was implying that:
(a) these professions were not well-compensated.
(b) guineas were an outdated currency.
(c) these professions were esteemed and paid in a more valuable currency unit than pounds for certain transactions.
(d) only these three professions used guineas.
Answer: (c) these professions were esteemed and paid in a more valuable currency unit than pounds for certain transactions.
54. Hughie’s act of giving the sovereign to the beggar was considered an “extravagance” because:
(a) the beggar did not seem to need it.
(b) it was a very large sum for someone of Hughie’s means.
(c) he should have given it to Alan Trevor instead.
(d) Laura Merton specifically told him not to give money away.
Answer: (b) it was a very large sum for someone of Hughie’s means.
55. The Palette Club, where Hughie met Alan Trevor later that night, was a:
(a) painter’s supply shop.
(b) an art gallery.
(c) a social club, likely for artists.
(d) a restaurant frequented by the wealthy.
Answer: (c) a social club, likely for artists.
56. Baron Hausberg’s “rags” were actually:
(a) clothes he genuinely wore due to a temporary loss of fortune.
(b) a theatrical costume borrowed from a playhouse.
(c) an old suit Alan Trevor had acquired in Spain.
(d) specially designed by a famous couturier for the portrait.
Answer: (c) an old suit Alan Trevor had acquired in Spain.
57. Monsieur Gustave Naudin, who visited Hughie, had a slight:
(a) German accent.
(b) Italian accent.
(c) French accent.
(d) Spanish accent.
Answer: (c) French accent.
58. The final remark by Alan Trevor, “model millionaires are rarer still!” implies that:
(a) it is difficult to find millionaires willing to be models.
(b) millionaires who are also generous and act as positive role models are very uncommon.
(c) models who become millionaires are a rare occurrence.
(d) most millionaire models are not actually rich.
Answer: (b) millionaires who are also generous and act as positive role models are very uncommon.
59. Which of these items was NOT part of Hughie’s meager inheritance or income?
(a) A cavalry sword.
(b) A set of valuable paintings.
(c) A History of the Peninsular War.
(d) Two hundred pounds a year from an aunt.
Answer: (b) A set of valuable paintings.
60. The primary reason the Colonel objected to Hughie’s engagement with Laura was Hughie’s:
(a) lack of social standing.
(b) questionable past.
(c) lack of financial resources.
(d) disinterest in a serious career.
Answer: (c) lack of financial resources.
MCQs (Competency Based)
1. Select the option that shows the correct relationship between statement (1) and statement (2).
(1) Hughie Erskine never realized the great truths of modern life.
(2) He believed it was better to be fascinating than to have a permanent income.
(a) (1) is the cause for (2).
(b) (2) is an example of (1).
(c) (1) is in contradiction of (2).
(d) (1) is independent of (2).
Answer: (b) (2) is an example of (1).
2. Choose the option that lists the sequence of events in the correct order.
I. Hughie gives a sovereign to the beggar model.
II. Alan Trevor reveals the true identity of the beggar model to Hughie.
III. Hughie visits Alan Trevor’s studio and sees him painting a beggar model.
IV. A messenger from Baron Hausberg delivers a wedding present to Hughie.
(a) III, I, II, IV
(b) I, III, II, IV
(c) III, II, I, IV
(d) I, II, III, IV
Answer: (a) III, I, II, IV
3. Select the option that gives true character traits of Hughie Erskine as depicted in the early part of the story.
I. Intellectually brilliant
II. Wonderfully good-looking
III. Successful in business
IV. Popular with men and women
V. Skilled at making money
VI. Ineffectual in his career attempts
(a) I, III, V
(b) II, IV, VI
(c) I, II, IV
(d) III, V, VI
Answer: (b) II, IV, VI
4. Choose the option that shows the correct relationship between statement (1) and statement (2).
(1) The Colonel would not hear of any engagement between Hughie and Laura.
(2) Hughie did not have ten thousand pounds of his own.
(a) (1) is independent of (2).
(b) (1) is a contradiction of (2).
(c) (2) is the cause for (1).
(d) (1) is an example of (2).
Answer: (c) (2) is the cause for (1).
5. Alan Trevor’s statement, “What you call rags I call romance. What seems poverty to you is picturesqueness to me,” primarily reveals his:
(a) deep empathy for the poor.
(b) cynical view of human suffering.
(c) artistic perspective that prioritizes visual appeal.
(d) desire to shock Hughie with unconventional opinions.
Answer: (c) artistic perspective that prioritizes visual appeal.
6. Select the option that lists the events in their correct order regarding Hughie’s visit to the studio and its immediate aftermath.
I. Hughie feels pity for the beggar model and gives him a sovereign.
II. Alan Trevor leaves the studio to speak with the frame-maker.
III. The beggar model rests on a wooden bench.
IV. Hughie blushes a little at what he had done and takes his leave.
(a) II, III, I, IV
(b) I, II, III, IV
(c) II, I, III, IV
(d) III, II, I, IV
Answer: (a) II, III, I, IV
7. Baron Hausberg’s decision to send Hughie £10,000 was most likely influenced by:
I. Alan Trevor’s detailed account of Hughie’s financial situation and love for Laura.
II. Hughie’s act of giving him a sovereign when he believed him to be a poor beggar.
III. A desire to be known as a philanthropist.
IV. A feeling of obligation because Hughie had seen him in “rags”.
(a) I and III
(b) II and IV
(c) I and II
(d) III and IV
Answer: (c) I and II
8. Select the option that shows the correct relationship between statement (1) and statement (2).
(1) Hughie sank into an armchair, the picture of dismay.
(2) Alan Trevor revealed that the beggar model was Baron Hausberg, and Hughie had given him a sovereign.
(a) (1) is the cause for (2).
(b) (2) is independent of (1).
(c) (1) is a contradiction of (2).
(d) (2) is the cause for (1).
Answer: (d) (2) is the cause for (1).
9. The narrative arc of Hughie Erskine’s fortune changes primarily due to:
(a) his persistent efforts in various professions.
(b) a sudden inheritance from his old aunt.
(c) an unexpected act of kindness leading to a surprising reward.
(d) Laura Merton’s father finally relenting.
Answer: (c) an unexpected act of kindness leading to a surprising reward.
10. Choose the option that lists the sequence of Alan Trevor’s actions and revelations at the Palette Club.
I. Trevor tells Hughie that the old model is devoted to him.
II. Trevor reveals that he told the model all about Hughie, Laura, and the £10,000.
III. Trevor discloses that the “beggar” is Baron Hausberg.
IV. Trevor laughs heartily when Hughie admits to giving the Baron a sovereign.
(a) I, III, II, IV
(b) I, II, III, IV
(c) II, I, III, IV
(d) III, I, II, IV
Answer: (b) I, II, III, IV
11. Hughie’s initial reaction to learning the beggar’s true identity can be best described as:
(a) amusement and relief.
(b) anger and betrayal.
(c) shock and embarrassment.
(d) pride and satisfaction.
Answer: (c) shock and embarrassment.
12. The final remark by Alan Trevor, “Millionaire models, remarked Alan, ‘are rare enough; but, by Jove, model millionaires are rarer still!'” serves to emphasize:
(a) the difficulty of finding wealthy individuals willing to pose for artists.
(b) the exceptional nature of a wealthy individual who also possesses exemplary generosity and kindness.
(c) the scarcity of models who achieve millionaire status through their work.
(d) the irony of Baron Hausberg’s dual role.
Answer: (b) the exceptional nature of a wealthy individual who also possesses exemplary generosity and kindness.
13. Select the option that correctly identifies the sequence of Hughie’s emotional states.
I. Pity for the beggar model.
II. Embarrassment upon learning the beggar’s identity.
III. Happiness and relief upon receiving the wedding present.
IV. Anger at Alan for revealing his private affairs.
(a) I, IV, II, III
(b) I, II, IV, III
(c) IV, I, II, III
(d) I, III, IV, II
Answer: (a) I, IV, II, III
14. The story’s resolution, where Hughie receives £10,000, is a direct consequence of:
(a) his good looks and charm.
(b) his influential friendship with Alan Trevor.
(c) his impulsive act of generosity towards someone he perceived as needy.
(d) Laura Merton’s unwavering love for him.
Answer: (c) his impulsive act of generosity towards someone he perceived as needy.
15. Choose the option that shows the correct relationship between statement (1) and statement (2).
(1) Baron Hausberg was in the highest spirits after Hughie left the studio, chuckling and rubbing his hands.
(2) Baron Hausberg had just learned all about Hughie’s character, his love for Laura, and the financial obstacle to their marriage.
(a) (1) is independent of (2).
(b) (1) is a contradiction of (2).
(c) (2) likely contributed to (1)
(d) (1) is the cause for (2).
Answer: (c) (2) likely contributed to (1)
Hi in mcq ans of question 9 is wrong look for it the real answer is head
Editor’s response
Thank you for pointing out the mistake. We’ve corrected.
It was Hughie who said that models deserve a percentage.It has been mentioned in mcq and fill in the blanks that alan said it.
Editor’s response
Thank you for pointing out the mistake. We’ve corrected.
I really liked this website. Useful for preparing for icse exam. Please add some Your Opinion based questions also.
noice
This website is amazing and it helps students prepare for exams
Very useful for icse students
The website was very useful for me. The notes helped me a lot for exams. Keep it going.
its real helpful !!!