3.3.3 - The Model Millionaire by Oscar Wilde

Book Back Questions

1. What makes you feel Alan was a good painter?

Alan Trevor is shown as a good painter because of his professional success and skill. His paintings regularly sell for two thousand guineas, which proves that his work is highly valued. He carefully chooses his subjects and finds even a beggar to be an excellent model for a painting. He pays close attention to details and provides proper costumes to suit the role, such as the tattered clothes worn by the old man. Alan is also confident in his art and takes his work seriously. Wealthy people like Baron Hausberg buy his paintings, which shows his reputation as an artist. Thus, Alan’s success, careful observation, and recognition prove that he is a good painter.

2. What made the old man look a typical beggar?

The old man looked like a typical beggar because of his poor appearance and dress. He was wearing a tattered brown cloak and boots that had been mended many times. He carried a rough walking staff in one hand and held out an old hat in the other hand as if begging for alms. His face was heavily wrinkled and looked extremely sad. All these details made him appear miserable and helpless. Alan even supplied the beggar’s clothes to make the appearance more realistic. Both Hughie and Alan believed he was a real beggar. Thus, his torn clothes, sad expression, and begging posture made him look like a typical beggar.

3. Why is the model’s face his fortune?

The model’s face is his fortune because it helps the artist earn a large amount of money. Alan’s paintings sell for two thousand guineas, mainly because of the expressive faces of his models. The model’s face gives life and value to the painting. Without a good model, the painting would not attract buyers. However, the model himself is paid very little, only one shilling an hour. Hughie feels this is unfair, as the model’s appearance brings success and wealth to the painter. In this story, the old man’s face helps Alan create an excellent painting. Thus, the model’s face becomes the source of the artist’s fortune.

4. What was the beggar’s true identity?

The beggar’s true identity was Baron Hausberg, one of the richest men in Europe. He was not a poor man at all but a wealthy millionaire who often bought Alan Trevor’s paintings. For reasons unknown, the Baron wanted to be painted as a beggar. Alan provided him with torn clothes to create the appearance of poverty. Hughie was shocked and ashamed when he learned the truth because he had given money to the Baron thinking he was poor. The Baron later proves his generosity by sending Hughie ten thousand pounds as a wedding gift. Thus, the beggar was actually a kind-hearted millionaire in disguise.

5. Why did Hughie fear an adverse reaction from the Baron?

Hughie feared an adverse reaction from the Baron because he had unknowingly given money to a very rich man. He felt embarrassed and ashamed when he discovered that the beggar was actually Baron Hausberg. Hughie thought the Baron might feel insulted or offended by the act of charity. Since the Baron was one of the wealthiest men in Europe, Hughie believed his action might appear foolish or disrespectful. He worried that the Baron might laugh at him or react angrily. However, his fear was unnecessary, as the Baron admired Hughie’s kindness. Instead of being offended, the Baron rewarded him generously.