The story 'The Model Millionaire' by Oscar Wilde focuses on the ideas of class , beauty, wealth and generosity, giving a strong lesson. Discuss.

"The Model Millionaire" by Oscar Wilde is a short story that indeed focuses on the themes of class, beauty, wealth, and generosity.

1. Class: The story revolves around Hughie Erskine, who is not rich but belongs to the upper class. He is in love with Laura Merton, the daughter of a retired Colonel. The Colonel insists that Hughie must have £10,000 of his own before he can marry Laura. This shows the importance of social class and the role it plays in their lives.

2. Beauty: Hughie admires the model for his appearance, believing him to be a beggar. Wilde uses this to critique the superficiality of society's understanding of beauty. The model, in reality, is not a beggar but a millionaire, showing that appearances can be deceiving.

3. Wealth: The story also explores the theme of wealth. Despite being poor, Hughie is generous and gives his last bit of money to the 'beggar'. On the other hand, the millionaire, despite his wealth, dresses up as a beggar. This contrast shows that wealth does not necessarily equate to happiness or contentment.

4. Generosity: The most significant theme in the story is generosity. Hughie's act of kindness towards the 'beggar' leads to his reward at the end of the story. The millionaire, moved by Hughie's generosity, decides to give him £10,000, the exact amount he needs to marry Laura. This shows that generosity is a virtue that can lead to unexpected rewards.

In conclusion, Wilde uses the story to critique the societal norms of class and beauty, and emphasizes the importance of wealth and generosity. The story teaches us that appearances can be deceiving and that acts of kindness can lead to unexpected rewards.