In The Model Millionaire by Oscar Wilde we have the theme of appearance,

generosity, friendship, gratitude, love, compassion, charity, commitment,

connection, struggle and happiness. Taken from his The Complete Short
Stories collection the story is narrated in the third person by an unnamed
narrator and after reading the story the reader realises that Wilde may be
exploring the theme of appearance. Hughie is fooled into thinking that the
Baron is a beggar solely based on how the Baron is dressed and on what
Alan Trevor has told him. It is for this reason that Hughie hands the Baron
a sovereign. Thinking that the Baron could use the sovereign more than he
could. What is important about Hughie’s act of generosity or charity is the
fact that Hughie gives the Baron more than he can really afford. Which
suggests that Hughie has an altruistic or unselfish streak. Even though
Hughie has been fooled by the Baron’s appearance the important thing to
remember is the generosity that Hughie shows the Baron. He feels pity for
the Baron which suggests that Hughie is able to empathise or identify with
others. Particularly those who may be less fortunate. What is also
interesting about the story is the fact that Laura’s father appears to be
judging Hughie based on his lack of finances. Hence the Colonel not
allowing Hughie to marry Laura till Hughie has £10,000.

If anything the Colonel is judging Hughie based on his financial status

without taking into consideration that Laura loves Hughie. While Laura
and Hughie are very much in love and long to marry it is the Colonel who is
dictating what will happen. Laura doesn’t appear to have a voice. Which
may be important as Wilde could be suggesting that women at the time the
story was written may not necessarily have had a voice. Their futures
determined by other people. In this case the Colonel. The compassion that
Hughie shows the Baron is not mirrored by the Colonel’s actions. He is
determined that Hughie must have £10,000 before he is allowed to marry
Laura. Though some critics might suggest that the Colonel is being practical
it is more likely as mentioned that Wilde is placing a spotlight on the rigid
and unbending nature of the society that existed at the time. Where money
took precedence over love. It may also be important to mention that Hughie
remains committed to Laura throughout the story. Though he knows he has
no chance of raising the £10,000 himself he does not give up on Laura. Nor
does she give up on him. They may not be allowed to get married but their
love is strong enough that both Hughie and Laura continue to see each
other. No matter how helpless Hughie’s situation may be he is not prepared
to let his love for Laura be completely dictated by the Colonel’s stipulation.

Alan Trevor’s character may also be important as he acts as the trigger or

catalyst when it comes to Laura marrying Hughie. By telling the Baron all
about Hughie Alan manages to help Hughie even though Hughie feels
embarrassed. If it was not for Alan’s actions Hughie would never have
managed to obtain the £10,000. Hughie is so grateful to Alan that Alan
becomes Hughie’s best man when Hughie eventually marries Laura. The
connection that both men feel towards one another is permanent. With it
being clear to the reader that both Hughie and Alan value their friendship.
There is also no doubting that Hughie is grateful to the Baron for the
£10,000. Though they are strangers the Baron is invited to Hughie and
Laura’s wedding and allowed to make a speech. Which in many ways
suggests that Hughie is full of gratitude for the Baron’s act of generosity.

What is also interesting at the end of the story is Alan’s remarks. His
consideration that model millionaires are rare is possibly Wilde’s attempt
to again place a spotlight on society. It is possible that Wilde is suggesting
that those who have wealth don’t necessarily help those who may be less
fortunate. Rather than putting their wealth to good use the wealthy (or
millionaires) set themselves aside from those who are poorer. While the
Baron is able to make a connection with Hughie, other millionaires may not
have the same abilities. Not because they don’t have the ability to associate
themselves with those who are poorer but because they choose not to
associate themselves with those less financially well-off. The Baron is an
exception to the rule and it is through his actions that Hughie finds
happiness. Where there had been a sense that Hughie was struggling
throughout the story. The Baron’s act of generosity has lifted the burden of
struggle from Hughie’s shoulders. No longer does Hughie have the
restrictions that the Colonel has imposed on him. The £10,000 has been
secured all because Hughie showed compassion and charity to the Baron.
Even though Hughie was unaware of the consequences of his actions he has
managed to find happiness with the woman he loves.