“The Model Millionaire” is a short story written by Oscar Wilde. It revolves around a young and handsome man named Hughie Erskine, who is well-liked and admired for his humility but lacks wealth. Hughie is in love with a beautiful girl named Laura Merton, but her father, Colonel Merton, disapproves of their relationship due to Hughie’s financial situation. Read More English Summaries.
The Model Millionaire Summary
The Model Millionaire Summary in English
This story by Oscar Wilde was written in the age when there was a big gap between the privileged and the deprived. It tells us how a poor yet fine young man gets the recognition he deserved.
The story begins with the writer’s witty remarks. He feels that it is of no use of being a charming fellow if one is not wealthy. Romance is not mend for the poor or unemployed. The poor needs to be practical and ordinary. It is essential for one to have a permanent income.
One cannot live with fascination Hughie Erskine. the main character in the story, had never realized such realities of modem life. He was really handsome person equally popular among men and women. His father had bequeathed in his cavalry sword and a ‘History of the Peninsular War’ in 15 volumes. Hughie tried a number of options but never succeeded. Finally he had no profession. The matter became worse with his love for Laura Merton, the daughter of a retired colonel. They were a wonderful pair but the colonel despite his liking for Hughie never approved their engagement. He told Hughie first to have ten thousand pound of his own and then colonel would think for his prospect of marriage.
One day while on his way to Holland Park he happened to meet with his great friend Alan Trevor, a painter by profession. The painter was very much fascinated to Hughie. Hughie had been allowed into the studio. When he entered the studio he found that Trevor was giving the final touches to a wonderful life-size picture of a beggar man. The beggar man himself was standing on a raised platform in a comer of the studio. He was wizened old man with a wrinkled face and tedious look.
A coarse brown cloak was falling from his shoulders and his shoes were patched and cobbled. Hughie was amazed to see such a wonderful model. Trevor told him that the beggar gets a skilling per hour for his job. But he himself gets two thousand pounds for his portrait. Hughie wanted to know whether the model got any share in the earning of the painter. The painter refused giving the plea that he took pains and materials for the work.
A frame maker came to the painter’s studio for some business dealings. In the meantime the beggar took the relaxation. Hughie was very much sympathise to see the wretched beggar and gave him a sovereign that he had in his pocket. After that he went to meet with his beloved Laura. He told her what he did. Laura scolded him for his extravagancy.
The next day Hughie again went to the painter friend. He asked him about the portrait of the beggar which was now complete. Hughie showed his concern and sympathy for the beggar. He also said that he wanted to donate his old suits to the beggar. Trevor burst into laughter. Hughie was amazed. He told him that the beggar needed it most. He also told him that he gave his only sovereign to the beggar, The painter then told Hughie that the beggar was Baron Hausberg, the richest man of Europe and had the capacity to buy the whole of the city’ of London without overdrawing his account.
The Model Millionaire Summary Class 11
He had offered a huge amount to the painter for making his portrait as a beggar. The tattered dress that he was wearing belonged to the painter. Anyway the painter now realized why the Baron was so much interested in the life of Hughie. However, the painter had told everything about Hughie to Baron-the beggar model-everything about Hughie’s love and ten thousand pound hurdle in his marriage. Hughie was amazed at all this and said that he was be fooled by himself. The painter assured him that his sovereign would do wonder and he may get it with all interest.
Hughie came back home and slept which he thought to get over his sense of foolishness. Next morning when he was having his breakfast a messenger from Baron came. He was an old gentleman with golden spectacles. He very respectfully handed over a beautifully sealed envelop to Hughie on which it was written ‘A wedding present to Hughie Erskine and Laura Merton, from an old beggar.” When Hughie opened it he found a cheque ft: ten thousand pound. Hughie married Laura and arranged a wedding breakfast. On the occasion Alan Trevor was the best-man and Baron made a speech. Alan made a very high remark, “Millionaire models are rare enough but model millionaires are rarer still.