OsCAR WILDE
About the Author :
Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) was an Irish playwright, poet , and novelist, renowned for his wit, flamboyant personality, and sharp social criticism. A leading figure of the Aesthetic Movement , he chempioned" art for art's sake ." His major works include The picture of Dorian Gray (1890), a novel exploring hedonism and moral decay, and the satirical plays The Importance of Being Earnest (1895) and An Ideal Husband (1895),which mock Victorian Society's hypocrisy. Wilde's epigrams remain widely quoted for their brilliance. He lived in exile in France,where he died in 1900. Wilde's legacy endures in his literary genius, Social critique, and advocacy for individuality and aesthetic beauty.
About the Text :
Oscar Wilde's The Model Millionaire is a Short Story that humorously yet poignantly critiques social values and the perception of wealth.The story follows Hughie Erskine, a handsome but financially struggling young man in love with Laura Merton. Her father insists that Hughie must have 10,000 to marry her. One day , Hughie visits his friend Alan Trevor, a painter , and sees an Old beggar posing as a model for a painting. Feeling pity , Hughie secretly gives the beggar a sovereign.
Later, he learns that the beggar was actually Baron Hausberg , a wealthy man. Impressed by Hughie's generosity, the Baron gifts hum 10,000 as a wedding present. The Story highlights wilde's characteristic wit and irony , emphasizing the theme that true wealth lies in kindness rather tham material riches . It also Satirizes social conventions,portraying a world where appearances can be deceptive. Wilde's playful yet moralistic storytelling makes The Model Millionaire a timeless tale on generosity and unexpected fortune.