The Model Millionaire Workbook Solution|Treasure Chest

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Section B: Context Questions

I. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:

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'.

Ans: In the extract, it is stated that wealth is necessary in order to fully enjoy romance and charm. Those who are wealthy have the luxury of indulging in romantic relationships, while the poor should focus on practical and mundane matters.

"The poor should be prosaic" means that individuals who are financially disadvantaged should prioritize practicality and realism over idealistic or romantic notions. They are encouraged to be down-to-earth, sensible, and focused on practical matters that can help improve their financial situation.

(ii) Give two positive qualities of Hughie. What was his drawback?

Ans: Hughie is described as "wonderfully good-looking" with crisp brown hair, a clear-cut profile, and grey eyes. Additionally, it is stated that he never said anything brilliant or ill-natured in his life, highlighting his kind and amiable character.

But He lacked intellectual depth or significant accomplishments in terms of intelligence or knowledge. Despite his physical appeal and pleasant personality, he was not considered intellectually remarkable.

(iii) What did his father bequeath him? What did he do with his inheritance?

Ans: 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.

(iv) How did Hughie make a living? What was his experience in the Stock Exchange and in other concerns?

Ans: Hughie Erskine did not have a steady income and relied on a meager allowance of two hundred pounds per year from his aunt. He tried working on the Stock Exchange for six months but felt out of place. He also attempted to be a tea-merchant and sell dry sherry, but both ventures were unsuccessful. Ultimately, he became a charming yet profession-less young man.

(v) Give the meaning of the following:

"Ultimately he became nothing, a delightful ineffectual young man with a perfect profile and no profession."

Ans: The sentence suggests that despite Hughie Erskine's attractive physical appearance and pleasing personality, he lacked a meaningful occupation or purpose in life. The phrase "ultimately he became nothing" suggests his lack of significant achievements or impact. However, he was still regarded as delightful due to his pleasing qualities, despite his ineffectualness.

Treasure Chest Short Story

II. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:

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?

Ans: 'He' refers to Hughie Erskine. Earlier in his life, Hughie faced troubles primarily related to his financial situation and lack of a profession. Despite his appealing qualities, such as his good looks and pleasant personality, he struggled to make money and establish a successful career. He had tried various occupations, but these ventures did not bring him success or stability.

(ii) Give the meaning of "who had lost his temper and digestion in India." With reference to India, what theme is referred to?

Ans: The phrase "who had lost his temper and digestion in India" figuratively indicates the retired Colonel's negative experiences and hardships during his time in India. It suggests that his emotional well-being and physical health were affected. The mention of India does not represent a specific theme but serves to emphasize the challenges the Colonel faced, which may influence his attitude towards Hughie's relationship with his daughter.

(iii) Name and explain the figure of speech used in the following "and he was ready to kiss her shoe-strings."

Ans: The figure of speech used in the phrase is hyperbole. Hyperbole is a figure of speech in which exaggeration is used for emphasis or dramatic effect. In this context, it exaggerates Hughie's deep affection and willingness to do anything for Laura. By stating that he is willing to kiss her shoe-strings, it emphasizes his intense devotion and readiness to express his love in an exaggerated and extravagant manner.

(iv) They were the handsomest couple in London' but what was lacking in their lives? How did they obtain it?

Ans: While Hughie and Laura were described as the "handsomest couple in London," what was lacking in their lives was financial stability or wealth. They didn't have any money. To obtain it, Hughie needed to accumulate ten thousand pounds, as demanded by Laura's father. Once he achieved this, they could address the financial gap in their lives and potentially pursue their relationship.

(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?

Ans: The Colonel's attitude towards Hughie can be described as hesitant and cautious. Although the Colonel was fond of Hughie, he did not approve of his daughter Laura being engaged to him due to Hughie's lack of personal wealth. This suggests that the Colonel values financial stability and security, prioritizing it over other qualities or characteristics that Hughie possesses. The characteristic trait reflected in the Colonel's attitude is his emphasis on financial status or material wealth as a determining factor in his daughter's relationship choices.

III. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:

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?

Ans: In the given extract, 'he' refers to Hughie. He went to visit his great friend Alan Trevor, who was a painter and an artist. Hughie visited Alan Trevor because they were friends, and Trevor's studio was likely a place where they could spend time together and engage in artistic discussions.

(ii) Describe Alan Trevor's appearance.

Ans: Alan Trevor had a strange and rough appearance. He had a freckled face and a red, ragged beard. This unconventional look added to his artistic persona. Despite his unconventional appearance, when Trevor picked up the brush, he displayed true mastery in his craft, and his paintings were highly sought after.

(iii) What is said about Trevor as an artist? Why was he attracted by Hughie?

Ans: As an artist, Alan Trevor was highly regarded and considered a real master of his craft. He had a unique perspective on art, believing that artists should associate with people who were both aesthetically pleasing and intellectually stimulating. It was Hughie's personal charm that initially attracted Trevor to him. However, as Trevor got to know Hughie better, he appreciated not only his charm but also his bright buoyant spirit and generous nature.

(iv) According to Trevor whom should an artist know?

Ans: According to Trevor, an artist should know people who are both aesthetically pleasing and intellectually stimulating. He believes that artists should surround themselves with individuals who possess a combination of beauty and intelligence. Trevor values dandies and darlings, considering them to have a significant influence on the world. He suggests that the company of such individuals is essential for artists.

(v) Why did Trevor give permanent entry to Hughie to his studio? What does that show about Trevor?

Ans: Trevor granted Hughie permanent access to his studio because he appreciated his vibrant and generous nature, going beyond his initial attraction to Hughie's personal charm. This decision showcased Trevor's ability to value genuine friendship and look beyond superficial appearances, highlighting his openness and appreciation for character rather than just external qualities.

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IV. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:

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.

Ans: The beggar-man in Trevor's studio was a wizened old man with a face like wrinkled parchment, exuding a most piteous expression. It is not explicitly mentioned who the beggar-man is, but later in the story, it is revealed that the beggar-man is actually Baron Hausberg, a wealthy man who commissioned Trevor to paint him as a beggar.

(ii) What was a model paid for a sitting? How much does an artist get for a picture?

Ans: A model was paid a shilling an hour for a sitting, according to Trevor. As for the artist, Trevor mentioned that he received two thousand guineas for the picture he was working on.

(iii) According to Hughie what must be paid to a model? How is that a comment on Victorian society at that time?

Ans: According to Hughie, a model must be paid a percentage of the artist's earnings for a painting. His comment highlights the socioeconomic inequalities prevalent in Victorian society. It reflects the exploitation of lower-class individuals, like models, who contributed to the success and wealth of the upper class and artists, yet were often underpaid or not fairly compensated for their work. Hughie's remark sheds light on the unjust power dynamics and lack of social equality during that time.

(iv) What does Trevor say to imply that artist's work is hard?

Ans: Trevor implies that an artist's work is hard by saying, "It is a way of diffusing civic discontent and reminding the people of their duties and privileges." This statement suggests that creating art requires not only skill and talent but also a sense of responsibility toward society. By emphasizing the role of art in influencing public sentiments and reminding people of their obligations, Trevor indicates that being an artist involves more than just creating beautiful pictures; it carries a burden of social commentary and the weight of societal expectations.

(v) What is profitable-manual work or intellectual work? Why?

Ans: According to Trevor, profitable work is manual work rather than intellectual work. He states, "All work is simply expression, and I know of none that is not noble in the abstract." Trevor believes that any form of work can be considered noble and valuable in its own right. However, he suggests that manual work, which involves tangible results and direct labor, is more likely to be profitable in a practical sense. Intellectual work, on the other hand, maybe rewarding on a personal and intellectual level but may not always guarantee immediate financial gains.

V. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:

Don't run away, Hughie,' he said, as he went out, 1 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?

Ans: Hughie pitied the beggar-man because of his forlorn and wretched appearance. To help him, Hughie took out his purse and gave him some money. The act of giving money to the beggar was Hughie's way of showing compassion and extending assistance to someone in need.

(ii) Which theme prevalent in the Victorian Period is shown in the action of Hughie?

Ans: The theme of compassion and social responsibility is prevalent in Hughie's action of helping the beggar-man. This reflects the Victorian period's emphasis on philanthropy and concern for the less fortunate. Hughie's act of giving money to the beggar demonstrates the Victorian ideal of individuals taking personal responsibility for addressing social inequalities and extending assistance to those in need.

(iii) What was the reaction of the beggar-man while receiving alms from Hughie?

Ans: The old man starts and a faint smile crosses his withered lips as he says, "Thank you, sir, thank you." This reaction suggests that the act of kindness from Hughie, despite the beggar's apparent poverty and misery, has touched him and brought a momentary sense of relief and appreciation.

(iv) State the impact of Hughie's charity.

Ans: Hughie's act of charity had a significant impact on the beggar-man. It brought a faint smile to the old man's withered lips and provided him with momentary relief from his forlorn and wretched state. Hughie's gesture of kindness offered a glimmer of hope and compassion in the beggar's life, reminding us of the transformative power of even the smallest acts of generosity.

(v) What was the reaction of Laura and Trevor on Hughie's charity?

Ans: On Hughie's charity, Laura gave a charming scolding to Hughie. And Trevor first shouted "Gave him a sovereign" and then burst into a roar of laughter. Trevor told Hughie that the old beggar was actually one of the richest men in Europe.

VI. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:

'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?

Ans: Hughie made a conquest of the old beggar-man, who turned out to be Baron Hausberg, a wealthy individual. Trevor informed Hughie that he had to share personal details about him with the beggar. This suggests that the beggar, now known as Baron Hausberg, has taken a keen interest in Hughie and has become devoted to him.

(ii) How was the conquest made?

Ans: Hughie's conquest of the old beggar-man, Baron Hausberg, was made inadvertently when he showed compassion and gave him a sovereign. Unaware of the beggar's true identity, Hughie's act of kindness captured the old man's attention and affection, leading him to inquire about Hughie's personal life from Trevor. This unexpected encounter with the beggar-turned-millionaire marked Hughie's unwitting conquest.

(iii) What was the immediate fear of Hughie when he would go home?

Ans: The immediate fear of Hughie when he would go home was that Baron Hausberg, the old beggar-man whom he had unknowingly given a sovereign, would be waiting for him. Hughie worried that his act of charity, which he believed was directed towards a poor and destitute individual, would be revealed as a mistake, causing him embarrassment and making him feel like a fool.

(iv) Give the meaning of

(a) "What you call rags, I call romance. What seems poverty to you is picturesqueness to me"

Ans: The statement suggests that while some may view worn-out clothing as rags and a sign of poverty, Alan Trevor sees them as a source of romance and aesthetic appeal. He finds beauty in the tattered garments, considering them to possess a picturesque quality. It emphasizes the subjective nature of perception and highlights Trevor's unique perspective on poverty and its visual representation.

(b) "An artist's heart is in his head".

Ans: The phrase "An artist's heart is in his head" implies that an artist's emotions, passions, and creative drive are expressed and channeled through their intellect and imagination. It suggests that the true essence and depth of an artist's feelings and inspirations come from their mental and intellectual capacities rather than solely relying on their emotional heart. It emphasizes the importance of intellect, thoughtfulness, and the ability to conceptualize ideas in the artistic process.

(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?

Ans: Trevor told the beggar-man, who was actually Baron Hausberg in disguise, about Hughie's personal affairs. He informed him about Hughie's identity, where he lived, his income, and his prospects. When Hughie found out that Trevor had shared these details with the beggar, he was taken aback and felt embarrassed. He expressed his frustration to Trevor, feeling foolish for unknowingly revealing so much about himself to a stranger.

VII. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:

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?

Ans: The old gentleman who brought the letter was Monsieur Gustave Naudin, acting on behalf of Baron Hausberg. The sealed envelope contained a wedding present for Hugh Erskine and Laura Merton. On the outside of the envelope, it was written, 'A wedding present to Hugh Erskine and Laura Merton, from an old beggar.' Inside the envelope was a cheque for £10,000.

(ii) How did the Baron know that Hughie was in need of money? What did he do to fulfil his need?

Ans: The Baron learned about Hughie's financial situation and need for money through Alan Trevor, who had informed him about Hughie's struggles. To fulfill Hughie's need, the Baron decided to provide him with a wedding present in the form of a generous cheque worth £10,000.

(iii) What role did Trevor play in finalising Hughie's marriage to Laura?

Ans: Trevor played a crucial role in Hughie's marriage to Laura by acting as a bridge between them. He conveyed their feelings and financial concerns to each other. Trevor shared Hughie's story with the Baron, who provided a generous wedding gift of £10,000. This gift helped fulfill Hughie's financial needs and paved the way for their marriage. Trevor's intervention and assistance were instrumental in bringing Hughie and Laura together.

(iv) The story shows that the poor are generous in helping others. How did Hughie's charity to the beggar give him rich dividends?

Ans: Hughie's charitable act towards the beggar, who turned out to be a wealthy Baron in disguise, brought him unexpected rewards. The Baron, touched by Hughie's generosity, gifted him £10,000 as a wedding present when he married Laura. This act of kindness transformed Hughie's financial situation and improved his prospects significantly. The story highlights the idea that the poor can possess a wealth of generosity and that acts of charity can lead to unexpected and rewarding outcomes.

(v) Explain the meaning of

"Millionaire models are rare enough, but model millionaires are rare still!

Ans: The phrase "Millionaire models are rare enough, but model millionaires are rare still!" suggests that it is uncommon to find wealthy individuals who work as models, but it is even rarer to find models who have become millionaires themselves. It emphasizes that achieving financial success and wealth goes beyond the realm of a specific profession or talent and requires additional factors like financial acumen and smart investments.