Lesson Plan: The Art of Generosity in "The Model Millionaire"

Materials Needed

• A copy of Oscar Wilde's short story, "The Model Millionaire" (digital or print)
• Notebook or journal
• Pen or pencil
• Optional: Art supplies (paper, markers, colored pencils) for the comic strip activity
• Optional: Access to a word processor for the writing activities
• Character & Theme Analysis Graphic Organizer (can be a simple two-column chart labeled 'Character/Event' and 'Appearance vs. Reality')

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Analyze the main characters and their motivations in "The Model Millionaire."
• Identify and explain the central themes of the story, particularly 'appearance versus reality' and the nature of generosity.
• Evaluate the story's use of irony and plot twists.
• Create a modern interpretation of the story, applying its themes to a contemporary context.

Lesson Structure

Part 1: Introduction (10 minutes)

Hook: A Modern Dilemma

Let's start with a thought experiment. Imagine you are a vlogger who creates content about social good. You have just enough money in your account for your next project's equipment. While filming on the street, you see a person who appears to be homeless and in great need. A famous, secretive billionaire is also nearby, disguised and watching. You don't know who the billionaire is. Do you give the person the money you need for your project, potentially sacrificing your work, or do you walk by? What are the potential consequences of your choice?

Discuss your thoughts. There's no single right answer; the goal is to think about the nature of kindness and risk.

Connecting to the Story

This dilemma is very similar to the one faced by the main character in Oscar Wilde's short story, "The Model Millionaire." Today, we're going to explore this story to see how one small act of generosity can have surprising consequences. We'll look at the characters, uncover the story's hidden messages, and then get creative by putting our own modern spin on it.

Part 2: Body (30-40 minutes)

I Do: Modeling Analysis (10 minutes)

First, let's define two key literary terms:

• Theme: The central idea or message of a story. In this story, a major theme is "Appearance versus Reality" – things are not always what they seem.
• Irony: A situation where the outcome is the opposite of what was expected. Wilde is famous for his use of irony.

Now, let's read the first few paragraphs of "The Model Millionaire" together. I'll model how to analyze the main character, Hughie Erskine.

(Instructor reads aloud the description of Hughie, pointing out key details.)

"The story says Hughie is 'wonderfully good-looking' but 'had every accomplishment except that of making money.' This immediately sets up a conflict. On the surface (appearance), he looks like a success, but in reality, he is financially unsuccessful. This is our first clue about the story's theme. He is 'charming' but impractical. Let's note this on our graphic organizer under 'Appearance vs. Reality'."

We Do: Guided Reading and Discussion (15 minutes)

Now, it's our turn to read and analyze together. Read the rest of the story. As we read, or just after, let's pause to answer these questions and fill out our graphic organizer together:

• Character Analysis: What is your first impression of the painter, Alan Trevor? What does he value? What about the old beggar in the studio? What details make him seem pitiful?
• The Key Action: Why does Hughie give the beggar his last sovereign? What does this action tell us about his character, even if Alan calls it foolish?
• The Big Reveal: What is the major plot twist? How is this an example of "Appearance vs. Reality"?
• Thematic Connection: How does the ending demonstrate the theme that true wealth isn't just about money, but about character? How is the ending an example of irony? (Hughie's financially 'foolish' act makes him rich).

You Do: Creative Application (10-15 minutes)

Now it's your turn to be the storyteller! Your task is to show you understand the story's themes by recreating it. Choose ONE of the following projects:

• Option A: Modern Retelling. Rewrite a short summary of "The Model Millionaire" set in the present day. Who is Hughie (a struggling artist, a startup founder)? Who is the billionaire in disguise (a famous tech CEO, a reclusive celebrity)? How does the story unfold in a modern setting?
• Option B: Diary of a Millionaire. Write a diary entry from the perspective of Baron Hausberg for the day he met Hughie. What were his thoughts when he was pretending to be a beggar? Why did Hughie's small act of kindness impress him so much?
• Option C: The Story in Pictures. Create a 4-6 panel comic strip that tells the story of "The Model Millionaire." Focus on showing the key moments: Hughie's visit, his act of generosity, the shocking reveal, and the happy ending. Use minimal words and let the images tell the story.

Success Criteria for Your Project:

• Clearly demonstrates the theme of "Appearance vs. Reality."
• Captures the essence of the main characters' personalities.
• Includes the key plot points: the problem, the kind act, the twist, and the resolution.
• Shows creativity and effort.

Part 3: Conclusion (5-10 minutes)

Share and Recap

Let's share your project! Explain the choices you made and how they connect to the original story's themes and characters.

After sharing, let's recap the main takeaways.

• What did we learn about generosity from Hughie Erskine? (It's about giving what you have, even if it's not much.)
• What is the story's main message about judging people by their appearance? (A person's clothes or station in life doesn't define their worth or power.)

Final Reflection

To finish, think about this: Oscar Wilde wrote, "It is better to have a permanent income than to be fascinating." How does the story of "The Model Millionaire" both support and challenge this witty statement?

Differentiation and Adaptability

• For Support:
  • Provide a simplified summary of the plot before reading.
  • Use sentence starters for the discussion questions or the "You Do" writing activities (e.g., "In my modern story, Hughie is a... because...").
  • Offer a pre-made template for the comic strip activity with blank panels.
• For Extension:
  • Research Oscar Wilde and the Aesthetic Movement. Write a short paragraph explaining how the ideas of this movement are reflected in "The Model Millionaire."
  • Compare and contrast Hughie Erskine with Alan Trevor. Who is more of a "model" person in your opinion, and why? Write a persuasive paragraph defending your choice.
  • Find a real-life news story about a surprising act of generosity and share how it connects to the themes in Wilde's story.
• For Classroom/Group Settings:
  • Use the "Think-Pair-Share" method for the hook and discussion questions.
  • Divide learners into small groups for the "You Do" activity, where they can collaborate on a single project.
  • Have groups perform their modern retellings as short skits.

Assessment

• Formative: Your responses to the "We Do" discussion questions and the completion of the graphic organizer will show your initial understanding of the plot and themes.
• Summative: The "You Do" creative project (Modern Retelling, Diary Entry, or Comic Strip) will serve as the final assessment. It will be evaluated based on the "Success Criteria" provided, focusing on your ability to apply the story's themes and concepts creatively.