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.

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 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.

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).

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)

Get notes of other classes and subjects

NBSE	SEBA/AHSEC
NCERT	TBSE
WBBSE/WHCHSE	ICSE/ISC
BSEM/COHSEM	MBOSE
Share Feedback	Question Papers

Notify change in syllabus/books	Share PDFs of books, get benefits
Request notes not available now	Share PDFs of question papers