Monday, July 7, 2025

The Bet MCQ and Simple Summary (বাংলা and English) for WBBHSE Semester III

THE BET


MCQ Questions Answers and Summary for The Bet Class 12 English Semester 1 West Bengal Board
The Bet - Anton Chekov MCQ 
Multiple Choice Questions for The Bet


About Author: Russian writer Anton Chekov is a story writer and dramatist. He was born in 1860 and died in 1904. He wrote seventeen plays and six hundred stories.

Short Summary for The Bet by Anton Chekov in বাংলা:

পনেরো বছর আগে এক ধনীর বাড়িতে একটি পার্টিতে মৃত্যুদণ্ড ও আজীবন কারাবাস নিয়ে বিতর্ক শুরু হয়। ধনী ব্যাঙ্কার বলেন, মৃত্যুদণ্ড বেশি মানবিক, কারণ তা তাড়াতাড়ি শেষ হয়, কিন্তু আজীবন কারাবাস ধীরে ধীরে মানুষকে কষ্ট দেয়। এক তরুণ আইনজীবী এর বিরোধিতা করেন, বলেন—জীবন যেভাবেই হোক, মৃত্যুর থেকে ভালো। এই বিতর্ক শেষ পর্যন্ত এক বাজিতে পরিণত হয়। ব্যাঙ্কার দুই মিলিয়ন রুবল বাজি রাখেন, যদি আইনজীবী একটানা পনেরো বছর একাকী নিঃসঙ্গ অবস্থায় থাকতে পারেন। তরুণ আইনজীবী আত্মবিশ্বাসের সঙ্গে প্রস্তাবটি গ্রহণ করেন।

ব্যাঙ্কারের বাড়ির বাগানে একটি ছোট কুটিরে আইনজীবীকে রাখা হয়। তাকে মানুষের সংস্পর্শ থেকে সম্পূর্ণ আলাদা রাখা হয়। তবে বই পড়া, চিঠি লেখা, গান শোনা বা মদ পান করার অনুমতি ছিল। শুরুতে সে একাকীত্বে কষ্ট পায়, উপন্যাস পড়ে, গান শোনে, মাঝে মাঝে মদও খায়। কিছুদিন পর গভীর বিষণ্নতায় ডুবে যায়, পড়াশোনাও কমে যায়। কিন্তু সময়ের সঙ্গে সঙ্গে তার মানসিকতা বদলাতে থাকে। সে জ্ঞান অন্বেষণে মগ্ন হয়ে পড়ে—ধর্ম, দর্শন, ভাষা, বিজ্ঞানসহ নানা বিষয়ে গভীরভাবে পড়তে শুরু করে। হাজার হাজার বই পড়ে সে ধীরে ধীরে সবকিছুর মানে খুঁজতে থাকে। ধন, খ্যাতি বা ইন্দ্রিয়ভোগের প্রতি আগ্রহ হারিয়ে সে এক গভীর আধ্যাত্মিক অনুভবের জগতে পৌঁছে যায়।

এদিকে ব্যাঙ্কারের আর্থিক অবস্থা খারাপ হয়ে যায়। একসময়ের ধনী ব্যক্তি আজ দেউলিয়া হওয়ার পথে। বুঝতে পেরে যে আইনজীবীকে অর্থ দিতে হবে, তার সমস্ত সম্পদ শেষ হয়ে যাবে, ব্যাঙ্কার ভয়ে এক ভয়ঙ্কর সিদ্ধান্ত নেন—তিনি আইনজীবীকে মেরে ফেলবেন। গভীর রাতে কুটিরে গিয়ে তিনি দেখতে পান, আইনজীবী ঘুমিয়ে আছেন, টেবিলে একটি চিঠি রাখা। সেই চিঠিতে আইনজীবী লেখেন, পনেরো বছরের একাকীত্ব ও জ্ঞানের সাধনায় তিনি বুঝেছেন—এই জগতে ধন-সম্পদ, খ্যাতি, ভোগ—সবই মিথ্যা। মানুষের চাওয়া পাওয়া আসলে মূল্যহীন। তাই তিনি ইচ্ছাকৃতভাবে বাজি হেরে যাবেন এবং নির্ধারিত সময়ের পাঁচ মিনিট আগে কুটির ছেড়ে বেরিয়ে যাবেন।

ব্যাঙ্কার হতভম্ব ও লজ্জিত হয়ে পড়েন। তিনি কাউকে কিছু না বলে কুটির থেকে বেরিয়ে যান। পরদিন সকালে দেখা যায়, আইনজীবী ঠিকমতো কথা রেখেছেন—তিনি আগেভাগেই কুটির ছেড়ে চলে গেছেন এবং এক টাকাও দাবি করেননি। ব্যাঙ্কার অর্থের দায় থেকে মুক্ত হলেও তার মনে থেকে যায় এক শূন্যতা ও অপরাধবোধ। আইনজীবী হয়তো টাকাটা হারিয়েছেন, কিন্তু জিতেছেন আত্মজয়ের এক অনন্য লড়াই। আর ব্যাঙ্কার, সব অর্থ থাকা সত্ত্বেও, হেরে গেছেন মনুষ্যত্বে।


Fifteen years before the present events of the story, a wealthy banker hosts a party where the guests engage in a heated debate about capital punishment versus life imprisonment. The banker argues that the death penalty is more humane because it ends life quickly, whereas life imprisonment tortures a person slowly. A young, idealistic lawyer disagrees, claiming that life in any form is better than death. Their argument escalates into a bold bet: the banker wagers two million rubles that the lawyer cannot endure fifteen years of voluntary solitary confinement. The lawyer accepts, determined to prove his point.

The lawyer is confined to a small lodge on the banker’s estate. Though isolated from all human contact, he is allowed to read books, write, listen to music, and drink wine. In the early years, he feels lonely and restless. He reads light novels and indulges in music and wine. Eventually, he becomes depressed and withdrawn, barely reading or communicating. But as the years go by, his focus shifts dramatically. He begins to read deeply, exploring philosophy, languages, theology, and science. He becomes obsessed with knowledge, reading thousands of books in various subjects, seeking truth and meaning in life. Over time, he loses interest in material things and becomes increasingly spiritual and detached from the world.

Meanwhile, the banker’s fortunes decline. Once a wealthy man, he becomes financially ruined through poor investments. As the end of the fifteen-year term approaches, he realizes that paying the lawyer two million rubles would bankrupt him. In desperation, the banker decides to murder the lawyer before the bet ends. He sneaks into the lodge late at night with the intent to kill, but when he sees the lawyer sleeping peacefully, he notices a letter left on the table. The letter reveals that the lawyer has come to reject the material world entirely. After years of solitude and reading, he no longer values wealth, fame, or luxury. He now believes that all human desires are vain and meaningless. In a final act of renunciation, the lawyer declares that he will intentionally lose the bet by walking out of confinement five minutes before the agreed time.

The banker is shocked and ashamed. He leaves the lodge quietly and avoids facing the lawyer. The next morning, the guards discover that the lawyer has vanished. He had indeed kept his promise and left early, asking for nothing. The banker, though relieved that he doesn't have to pay, feels hollow and guilty. The lawyer has won a greater moral victory, while the banker is left with his wealth but no peace.

📝 The Bet – Detailed Summary

Author: Anton Chekhov
Genre: Short Story | Philosophical Fiction
Setting: Russia, late 19th century; mostly within a banker’s house and a lodge
🔹 Opening Situation: The Argument Begins

The story opens at a party hosted by a wealthy banker fifteen years ago. During a discussion on capital punishment, the guests debate whether the death penalty is more humane than life imprisonment. The banker believes capital punishment is better because it kills quickly, while life imprisonment tortures a person slowly over many years.

A young lawyer disagrees. He argues that any life is better than no life, even if it means spending years in prison. This intense philosophical disagreement leads to a bet.
🔹 The Bet is Made

The banker wagers two million rubles that the lawyer cannot endure fifteen years of voluntary solitary confinement. The lawyer accepts the challenge, agreeing to stay in a small lodge on the banker’s property for the full duration.

The lawyer is not allowed to leave the lodge or have human contact. He can, however, read books, write letters, listen to music, and drink wine—but he cannot step outside or speak to anyone.
🔹 The Fifteen Years of Solitude

The lawyer’s imprisonment begins. Over the years, his behavior and mindset change dramatically:

Year 1-2: He feels lonely and restless. He reads light novels, plays music, and asks for wine.
Year 3-4: He becomes deeply depressed, rarely touches books, and barely communicates.
Year 5-10: A major change occurs. He immerses himself in studying a wide variety of subjects—philosophy, languages, religion, science. He reads voraciously, as if seeking deeper meaning in life.
Year 11-13: He studies theology, reads the Gospels, and explores various religious texts.
Year 14-15: His reading becomes more abstract and philosophical. He seems to lose interest in material life and becomes spiritually detached.
🔹 The Banker’s Crisis

As the fifteenth year approaches, the banker has become financially ruined due to reckless investments. He is no longer the wealthy man he once was. If he pays the two million roubles, he will be bankrupt.

Desperate and afraid of being ruined, the banker decides to kill the lawyer before the bet ends. He sneaks into the lodge late at night with the intention of murder.
🔹 A Surprise Revelation

Inside the lodge, the banker finds the lawyer asleep and a letter on the table addressed to him. The letter reveals the lawyer's transformation:

He writes that he has come to despise material wealth, fame, and worldly pleasures. Through years of isolation and deep thought, he has realized the futility of human desires. He now sees the spiritual over the physical and considers the bet meaningless.

In a final act of renunciation, the lawyer writes that he will voluntarily forfeit the bet by leaving the lodge just five minutes before the fifteen years are completed.
🔹 Ending: Emptiness and Reflection

Shocked and ashamed, the banker silently leaves the lodge without waking the lawyer. The next morning, the guards see the lawyer has disappeared. He kept his word—he left before the bet ended and asked for nothing in return.

The banker hides the lawyer’s letter in his safe. Though he is relieved he doesn't have to pay the money, he feels a deep sense of emptiness and guilt.
💡 Key Takeaways / Meaning


The value of life and freedom: The story explores whether life is worth living without freedom or purpose.

Transformation through isolation: The lawyer evolves from a youthful materialist to a spiritual ascetic.

Materialism vs. Enlightenment: The banker clings to wealth; the lawyer lets go of everything.

The irony of human desires: Both men lose something—one his wealth and pride, the other his faith in the world.

Chekhov's style of writing is unique, it's one of its kind. Chekhov is known for the ending of his story stories. Because one cannot anticipate what the ending could be. Or it won't go as the reader planned. His story story 'The Bet' is not an exception. It is a perfect short story as it takes only a few minutes to finish, It has only two main characters, simple theme and plot, setting, timespan, and an ending that leaves us thirsty. His writings depicts reality.
Chekhov's endings subvert the reader's expectations for dramatic closure, forcing them to consider the ongoing reality of life rather than a neat resolution.

This type of ending is characteristic of Chekhov's style and often reflects his focus on the ordinary aspects of life, the struggle to find meaning, and the limitations of human nature.

THE BET MCQ - Questions & Answers: 

1. The author of The Bet', is ____

(A) Leo Tolstoy
(B) John Galsworthy
(C) Anton Chekhov
(D) Katherine Mansfield

2. In Chekhov's ''The Bet,'' over what topic do the banker and lawyer make a bet?

(A) Morality of capital punishment
(B) Morality of money
(C) Value of knowledge
(D) Value of faith

3. In which season did the fateful bet take place?

(A) fall
(B) winter
(C) summer
(D) autumn

4. Who is not at the party?

(A) the banker
(B) the doctor
(C) journalists
(D) the lawyer

5. Who is the host?

(A) the doctor
(B) the banker
(C) the reporter
(D) the lawyer

6. What does the banker believe in?

(A) life imprisonment
(B) beheading
(C) capital punishment
(D) trial by fire

7. For whom do they consider capital punishment unsuitable?

(A) the Western world
(B) the whole world
(C) the modern world
(D) the Christian states

8. According to one guest, the state is not what?

(A) divine
(B) important
(C) all-knowing
(D) God

9. Who is involved in the bet?

(A) the lawyer
(B) the paediatrician
(C) the housekeeper
(D) 
the doctor

10. What does the lawyer believe about capital punishment and life imprisonment?

(A) being killed is moral
(B) imprisonment is immoral
(C) both are equally immoral
(D) one is immoral

11. If the lawyer had to choose, which would he choose?

(A) capital punishment
(B) life imprisonment
(C) death
(D) none of the above

12. Who was against capital punishment?

(A) Most of the guests
(B) Banker
(C) Lawyer
(D) Teacher

13. The lawyer was a young man about ____

(A) twenty one
(B) twenty five
(C) twenty seven
(D) thirty

14. What does the banker stake in the bet?

(A) his home
(B) his millions
(C) his life
(D) his family

15. What does the lawyer stake in the bet?

(A) his freedom
(B) his life
(C) his livelihood
(D) his millions

16. The banker was sure that the lawyer would not agree to stay in prison for ____ years.

(A) ten
(B) seven
(C) fifteen
(D) five

 17. According to the bet, the lawyer had to remain in the cell for ____ years.

(A) twenty
(B) ten
(C) twelve
(D) fifteen

18. What was the amount of the bet between the banker and the lawyer?

(A) Two thousand dollar
(B) Two million roubles
(C) Two thousands roubles
(D) Two billion roubles

19. During his period of confinement, the lawyer was deprived of the right to cross the ____

(A) garden
(B) boundary
(C) threshold
(D) town

20. During the first year of imprisonment the lawyer in 'the Bet' ____

(A) suffered terribly
(B) enjoyed happily
(C) ate heavily
(D) listened to music

21. 'The Bet' is a story about ____

(A) a banker and a doctor
(B) a lawyer and a doctor
(C) a banker and a lawyer
(D) a doctor and a farmer

22. Which of these positions does the lawyer endorse?

(A) any life is better than none
(B) to live anyhow is better than not at all
(C) death is better than prison
(D) death is better than a sorry life

23. Which of the following items can the lawyer receive?

(A) Newspapers
(B) Letters
(C) Wine
(D) Visitors

24. Which book does the banker feel the lawyer took too long to read?

(A) A book about world geography
(B) A book about world philosophies
(C) The Gospels
(D) The Old Testament

25. What does the lawyer primarily do during his years of confinement?

(A) Writes letters to the banker
(B) Reads books and studies various subjects
(C) Exercises and meditates
(D) Sleeps most of the time

26. Who told that the both these for punishment were equally wrong?

(A) The banker
(B) The young lawyer
(C) The guest
(D) The old merchant

27. What was each man's wager in ''The Bet''?

(A) One million roubles for a lifetime imprisonment
(B) $25,000 for one night in prison
(C) $100,000 for seven nights in prison
(D) Two million roubles for 15 years in prison

28. In ''The Bet,'' what do we find out about the banker toward the end of the 15-year prison sentence?

(A) The banker has forgotten about the lawyer
(B) The banker doesn't have the money
(C) The banker has moved away
(D) The banker changes the terms to 20 years

29. What were the circumstances surrounding the bet in Chekov's short story ''The Bet''?

(A) A discussion between a husband and wife
(B) A disagreement between co-workers
(C) An argument at a party
(D) A publicity stunt

30. What is the bet between the lawyer and the banker?

(A) The banker bets that the lawyer can't live in isolation for 15 years.
(B) The lawyer bets that the banker doesn't have the willpower to stay single for 15 years.
(C) The banker bets that the lawyer can't remain truthful for an hour.
(D) The lawyer bets that the banker can't give up his greed in exchange for helping out the needy for one year

31. How long does the lawyer last in solitary confinement?

(A) Less than a year
(B) Five Years
(C) Five hours short of fifteen years
(D) He lasts the entire fifteen years.

32. Why does the lawyer quit the bet?

(A) He can't stand being alone anymore.
(B) He chooses to quit the bet because he has elected to abandon material possessions, including the money he would have earned from staying the full 15 years.
(C) The lawyer doesn't quit the bet; he stays for the entire 15 years and wins the money.
(D) The lawyer learns that his mother is sick and dying. He believes that he must quit the bet to see her one last time.

33. In the story 'The Bet', what was the weather like on the day the banker went to kill the lawyer ?

(A) It was raining and very cold
(B) It was sunny and very hot
(C) Both (A) and (B)
(D) None of these

34. Why does the banker consider killing the lawyer towards the end of the bet?

(A) He dislikes the lawyer
(B) He fears losing his fortune
(C) He wants to end the bet early
(D) He believes the lawyer has cheated

35. Who informed the banker that the lawyer had escaped from the cell?

(A) Watchman
(B) Prisoner
(C) Gardener
(D) Passers-by

36. What does the lawyer do on the last day of his confinement?

(A) Escapes from the cell
(B) Writes a letter renouncing the money
(C) Demands the prize money
(D) Confronts the banker

37. In 'The Bet', the prisoner read only ____ after the tenth era.

(A) Shakespeare
(B) Eliot
(C) Gita
(D) The New Testament

38. 
During the first year of imprisonment the lawyer in 'the Bet' ____

(A) suffered terribly
(B) enjoyed happily
(C) ate heavily
(D) listened to music

39. The lawyer had to begin the confinement from 12o'clock of November 14 ____

(A) 1850
(B) 1860
(C) 1870
(D) 1880

40. Fifteen years confinement had taught the lawyer to sit ____

(A) silently
(B) idle
(C) actively
(D) motionless

41. Capital punishment kills by ____.

(A) instantly
(B) hanging
(C) degrees
(D) slowly

42. In the tenth year the lawyer read only ____

(A) Philosophy
(B) Politics
(C) History
(D) New Testament

43. The banker took the sheet from the table and ____

(A) read
(B) tore
(C) burnt
(D) threw away

44. How many books the lawyer read four years?

(A) Three hundred
(B) Four hundred
(C) Five hundred
(D) Six hundred

45. In the sixth year the lawyer study ____

(A) History and Geography
(B) Philosophy and Ethics
(C) Philosophy and History
(D) Political science and Philosophy

46. At 3 o'clock the banker went towards ____

(A) the garden
(B) forest
(C) hill
(D) market

47. What did the watchman tell the banker in the story "The Bet'?

(A) That the lawyer was in the cell
(B) That the lawyer was ill
(C) That the lawyer had escaped
(D) That the lawyer was sleeping.

48. We can learn about the lawyer in a direct and surprising way based on his last letter to the banker if we assume that:

(A) reasons necessarily motivate people
(B) the bet was never actually valid
(C) language is directly tied to thought
(D) the letter was not actually written by the lawyer

49. How long is the initial bet?

(A) 5 years
(B) 5 months
(C) 2 years
(D) 15 years

50. How long does the bet end up being?

(A) 15 years
(B) 21 months
(C) 5 years
(D) 21 years

51. Who extends the length of the bet?

(A) the lawyer
(B) the sheriff
(C) the banker
(D) the doctor

52. How does the narrator characterize the banker?

(A) dangerous
(B) careful
(C) reckless
(D) frivolous

53. How does the narrator characterize the bet?

(A) smart
(B) careful
(C) senseless
(D) meaningful

54. Who is delighted at the bet?

(A) the priest
(B) the banker
(C) the lawyer
(D) the doctor

55. Which does the banker consider more humane?

(A) prison
(B) death
(C) ridicule
(D) jail

56. When does the party take place?

(A) night
(B) dusk
(C) day
(D) dawn

57. What does the banker do after the bet is made?

(A) tries to get the lawyer to take the millions
(B) tries to convince the lawyer to renege
(C) tries to get out of the bet himself
(D) tries to escape the lodge

58. What does the banker say the millions of rubles are?

(A) a drop
(B) nothing
(C) chump change
(D) a trifle

59. How does the banker feel about the bet when he talks to the lawyer at first?

(A) sorry
(B) happy
(C) sorrowful
(D) angry

60. What was the lawyer's bet? 

(A) The lawyer can double the money of the banker.
(B) The lawyer could withstand fifteen years of solitary confinement.
(C) The lawyer could read every book in the banker's library.
(D) The lawyer could solve a complex legal case within a year.

61. Why did the banker consider killing the lawyer?

(A) To avoid paying the two million rubles he owed.
(B) To win a bet with his friends.
(C) To prevent the lawyer from escaping.
(D) To protect his secret documents.

62. When was 'The Bet' published?

(A) 1889
(B) 1875
(C) 1901
(D) 1892


63. "The Bet" is a -
(A) Novelette
(B) Essay
(C) Short Story
(D) Playlet

64. The setting of the story is in -
(A) Russia
(B) France
(C) Arkansas
(D) US

65. The question - "what was the object of the bet?" arouse in the mind of -
(A) the banker
(B) the lawyer
(C) the author
(D) the philosopher

66. The prisoner suffered severely from loneliness and depression -
(A) for the second year of his confinement
(B) for the first year of his confinement
(C) for the fifth year of his confinement
(D) for the sixth year of his confinement

67. The piano was silent in the lodge -
(A) in the fifth year
(B) in the third year
(C) in the fourth year
(D) in the second year

68. The prisoner wrote a letter in six languages to the jailor/banker-
(A) in the third year of his confinement
(B) in the course of four year
(C) in the fifth year
(D) in the sixth year

69. The handwriting of the prisoner was - 
(A) fine
(B) rough
(C) cursive
(D) not bad

70. After fifteen years of confinement the prisoner was-
(A) lively
(B) dead
(C) half dead
(D) as strong as he was before

71. As per the agreement of the bet, the prisoner would regain his freedom -
(A) at twelve o'clock of November 14, 1885
(B) at twelve o'clock of November 14, 1884
(C) at eleven o'clock of November 14, 1882
(D) at ten o'clock of November 14, 1883

72. In his letter, the lawyer said he despises -
(A) freedom
(B) health
(C) life
(D) all of these

73. The prisoner had drunk fragrant wine, sung songs, hunted stags and wild boars-
(A) in the realm of books
(B) in the realm of dream
(C) in the realm of imagination
(D) none of these

74. The lawyer compares the banker to-
(A) mice burrowing under the floor
(B) other animals
(C) birds
(D) rhinoceros 

75. The lawyer renounced the two millions to -
(A) to save his life
(B) to become a sage
(C) prove his thoughts in action
(D) to be free

76. After returning home, the banker could not sleep because of
(A) canonization
(B) remorse
(C) retribution
(D) astonishment

77. From where has the lawyer seen the sun rise in the realm of books -
(A) the peak of Elbruz
(B) the peak of Mont Blanc
(C) the peak of Mount Everest
(D) the peaks of Elbruz and Mont Blanc

78. In the opinion of the lawyer wisdom and the blessing of the world are -
(A) worthless and fleeting
(B) illusory
(C) deceptive
(D) all of these

79. What was the old banker doing on the dark autumn night?
(A) taking to someone
(B) Reading a book
(C) Talking to journalists
(D) Walking up and down his study

80. What was the banker’s opinion about the death penalty compared to life imprisonment?
(A) The death penalty is more moral and humane
(B) Life imprisonment is more moral and humane
(C) Both are equally humane
(D) Neither is humane

81. How long ago did the banker host the party?
(A) Ten years
(B) Twenty years
(C) Fifteen years
(D) Five years

82. What season was it when the banker hosted the party?
(A) Winter
(B) Spring
(C) Summer
(D) Autumn

83. Who were among the majority of the guests at the party?
(A) Politicians and businessmen
(B) Journalists and intellectual men
(C) Artists and musicians
(D) Scientists and engineers

84. What did the majority of the guests consider the death penalty to be?
(A) Out of date, immoral, and unsuitable for Christian States
(B) A necessary form of punishment
(C) More humane than life imprisonment
(D) A deterrent to crime

85. What reasoning did the banker give for supporting the death penalty over life imprisonment?
(A) It is less expensive than life imprisonment.
(B) It is a stronger deterrent to crime.
(C) It aligns with Christian values.
(D) It kills a man quickly, unlike life imprisonment which drags out suffering.



These are the Important Questions for The Bet Class 12 English. Thank You. All the best~!

Don't Forget to Check the answers:

1. (C) Anton Chekhov
2. (A) Morality of capital punishment
3. (D) autumn
4. (B) the doctor
5. (B) the banker
6. (C) capital punishment
7. (D) the Christian states
8. (D) God
9. (A) the lawyer
10.(B) imprisonment is immoral
11.(B) life imprisonment
12.(A) Most of the guests
13.(B) twenty five
14.(B) his millions
15.(A) his freedom
16.(D) five
17.(D) fifteen
18.(B) Two million roubles
19.(C) threshold
20.(D) listened to music
21.(C) a banker and a lawyer
22.(B) to live anyhow is better than not at all
23.(C) Wine
24.(D) The Old Testament
25.(B) Reads books and studies various subjects
26.(B) The young lawyer
27.(D) Two million roubles for 15 years in prison
28.(B) The banker doesn't have the money
29.(C) An argument at a party
30.(A) The banker bets that the lawyer can't live in isolation for 15 years.
31.(D) He lasts the entire fifteen years.
32.(B) He chooses to quit the bet because he has elected to abandon material possessions, including the money he would have earned from staying the full 15 years.
33.(A) It was raining and very cold
34.(B) He fears losing his fortune
35.(A) Watchman
36.(B) Writes a letter renouncing the money
37.(D) The New Testament
38.(D) listened to music
39.(C) 1870
40.(D) motionless
41.(A) instantly
42.(D) New Testament
43.(A) read
44.(D) Six hundred*
45.(C) Philosophy and History
46.(A) the garden
47.(C) That the lawyer had escaped
48.(A) reasons necessarily motivate people
49.(A) 5 years  
50.(A) 15 years
51.(A) the lawyer
52.(C) reckless
53.(C) senseless
54.(B) the banker
55.(B) death
56.(A) night
57.(C) tries to get out of the bet himself
58.(D) a trifle
59.(B) happy
60.(B) The lawyer could withstand fifteen years of solitary confinement.
61. (A) To avoid paying the two million rubles he owed.
62. (A) 1889  
63. (C) Short Story
64. (A) Russia
65. (A) the banker
66. (B) for the first year of his confinement
67. (D) in the second year
68. (C) in the fifth year
69. (A) fine
70. (C) half dead
71. (A) at twelve o'clock of November 14, 1885
72. (D) all of these
73. (A) in the realm of books
74. (A) mice burrowing under the floor
75. (C) prove his thoughts in action
76. (B) remorse
77. (D) the peaks of Elbruz and Mont Blanc
78. (D) all of these
79. (D) Walking up and down his study
80. (A) The death penalty is more moral and humane
81. (C) Fifteen years
82. (D) Autumn
83. (B) Journalists and intellectual men
84. (A) Out of date, immoral, and unsuitable for Christian States
85. (D) It kills a man quickly, unlike life imprisonment which drags out suffering.

Sunday, July 6, 2025

The Model Millionaire Story Oscar Wilde - MCQ with Answers and Simple Summary

The Model Millionaire Summary in Bengali

Hughie Erskine ছিল এক হ্যান্ডসাম তরুণ, কিন্তু তার বেশি টাকা-পয়সা ছিল না। সে Laura Merton নামের এক মেয়েকে বিয়ে করতে চেয়েছিল, কিন্তু Laura-র বাবা বলেছিলেন, Hughie যদি কমপক্ষে দশ হাজার পাউন্ড উপার্জন না করতে পারে, তাহলে তিনি তাদের বিয়ে হতে দেবেন না।


একদিন Hughie তার বন্ধু Alan Trevor-র স্টুডিওতে গেল। Alan Trevor একজন চিত্রশিল্পী ছিল এবং সে তখন একজন ভিখারির পূর্ণদেহ চিত্র আঁকছিল। স্টুডিওর এক কোণে Hughie সেই ভিখারিটিকে দেখতে পেল—ছেঁড়া জামাকাপড় পরা, ক্লান্ত এবং অভাবী চেহারার এক লোক। যদিও তার নিজেরও তেমন টাকা ছিল না, তবু লোকটির জন্য মায়া অনুভব করে Hughie তাকে একটি sovereign (সোনার মুদ্রা) দিয়ে দেয়। ভিখারিটি খুব অবাক হয়ে যায় সেটা নিয়ে। 

পরে Alan Hughie-কে জানাল যে সেই “ভিখারি” আদতে কোনও ভিখারি নয়। সে একজন ধনী ব্যারন—Baron Hausberg—যিনি শুধু মজা করে ছবির জন্য পোজ দিয়েছিলেন। হিউই খুব অবাক ও লজ্জিত হয়ে পড়ল।

কিন্তু পরদিন Hughie এক আশ্চর্য চিঠি পেল—Baron Hausberg-র কাছ থেকে, যাতে ছিল দশ হাজার পাউন্ডের একটি চেক, বিয়ের উপহার হিসেবে। সেই ধনী ব্যক্তি Hughie-র সদয় মনোভাব দেখে অভিভূত হয়েছিলেন, এমনকি তখনও যখন Hughie ভেবেছিল সে একজন গরিব লোককে সাহায্য করছে।

শেষমেশ এইভাবে, Hughie-র উদারতার জন্য, এক দয়ালু ধনী লোকের সাহায্যে সে Laura-কে বিয়ে করতে পারে।

Summary: The Model Millionaire by Oscar Wilde

Hughie Erskine was a handsome young man but didn’t have much money. He wanted to marry a girl named Laura Merton, but her father wouldn’t let them marry unless Hughie could earn at least ten thousand pounds.

One day, Hughie went to visit his friend Alan Trevor, who was a painter. Alan was working on a life-size painting of a beggar. In the corner of the studio, Hughie saw the beggar—dressed in rags, looking tired and poor. Feeling sorry for him, Hughie secretly gave the man a sovereign (a gold coin), even though he himself didn’t have much money.

Later, Alan told Hughie that the “beggar” was not a real beggar at all. He was actually a rich baron—Baron Hausberg—who had posed for the painting just for fun. Hughie was shocked and embarrassed.

But the next day, Hughie received a surprise: a letter from Baron Hausberg with a cheque for ten thousand pounds as a wedding gift. The rich man had been touched by Hughie’s kindness, even when Hughie thought he was poor.

In the end, Hughie was able to marry Laura, thanks to his generosity—and a kind-hearted millionaire in disguise.


The Model Millionaire MCQ

The Model Millionaire question answers :


Who is the author of the story “The Model Millionaire”?

a) Oscar Wilde*

b) Charles Dickens

c) Virginia Woolf

d) Agatha Christie



What is the genre of "The Model Millionaire"?

a) Mystery

b) Romance

c) Comedy

d) Satire*



The Model Millionaire's'' Hughie Erskine has all these characteristics except: 

a) Generous

b) Charming

c) Handsome

d) Wealth *



What was Hughie’s personality like?

a) Serious and responsible

b) Bright, buoyant, and generous *

c) Moody and introspective

d) Ambitious and competitive



What does the painter, Alan, think of the beggar-man's poverty in ''The Model Millionaire?''

a) It's picturesque. *

b) It's pitiful.

c) It's comical.

d) It's depressing.



How is Hughie's generosity rewarded in ''The Model Millionaire?''

a) With a new wardrobe

b) With the money he needs to get married *

c) With an award from the local newspaper

d) With the anger of the beggar-man



What was Colonel Merton’s personality like?

a) Kind and generous

b) Strict and temperamental *

c) Wise and understanding

d) Funny and laid-back



In ''The Model Millionaire,'' what does Colonel Merton want from Hughie before he'll allow him to marry his daughter?

a) Patience

b) Financial stability *

c) Faithfulness

d) Commitment



Or 



What did Colonel Merton require Hughie to have before considering an engagement?

a) A title

b) A certain amount of wealth *

c) A good reputation

d) A university degree



What was Laura Merton’s father's profession?

a) Lawyer

b) Retired Colonel*

c) Doctor

d) Painter



What condition did Colonel Merton place for approving Hughie’s engagement to Laura?

a) Having a good reputation

b) Having ten thousand pounds of his own*

c) Getting a job in the military

d) Complete a college degree



Where was Hughie headed when he decided to visit Alan Trevor?

a) The park

b) The Merton's’ house*

c) Art studio

d) The city centre



How does Baron Hausberg demonstrate his ''model millionaire'' style in ''The Model Millionaire''?

a) He is an art lover and well-travelled.

b) He is good-looking and wealthy.

c) He is financially successful and giving. *

d) He is prideful and arrogant.



How did Alan Trevor initially perceive Hughie?

a) As a talented artist

b) As a charming and beautiful person *

c) As a wealthy patron

d) As a rival painter



What was the nature of Hughie’s relationship with Laura?

a) Platonic

b) Familial

c) Romantic *

d) Professional



Why did Hughie visit Alan Trevor’s studio?

a) To commission a portrait

b) To seek advice on art

c) To socialize and relax *

d) To discuss business



How did Alan Trevor feel about Hughie after getting to know him better?

a) Indifferent

b) Disappointed

c) Increasingly fond *

d) Resentful



Who was putting the finishing touches to a wonderful life-size picture of a beggar-man?

a) Hughie

b) Trevor *

c) Velasquez

d) Rimbrant



What was the beggar-man wearing over his shoulders?

a) A fine silk cloak

b) A coarse brown cloak *

c) A warm woollen coat

d) A colourful embroidered shawl



What was the beggar-man holding in one hand?

a) A walking stick

b) A cane

c) A rough stick *

d) A basket



How much did Trevor say the model got for sitting?

a) A shilling an hour *

b) A guinea an hour

c) A pound an hour

d) Five shillings an hour



How much did Trevor say he got for his picture?

a) Five thousand guineas

b) Four thousand guineas

c) Three thousand guineas

d) Two thousand guineas *



What did Hughie think the model should get?

a) A raise in pay

b) A bonus

c) A percentage *

d) A promotion



Why did Trevor tell Hughie to keep quiet when he was finishing a picture in his studio?

a) Because he was annoyed

b) Because he was tired

c) Because he was busy *

d) Because he was distracted



What did Trevor compare Art to?

a) Science

b) Mathematics

c) Manual labour *

d) Music



What was Hughie’s reaction to Trevor’s statement about the model’s pay?

a) He was shocked.

b) He laughed. *

c) He was amused.

d) He was angry.



What did Trevor call the beggar-man whose picture he was drawing in his studio?

a) A living Rembrandt

b) A living Michelangelo

c) A living Velasquez *

d) A living Leonardo



What was the beggar-man’s face compared to?

a) Smooth silk

b) Wrinkled parchment *

c) Rough stone

d) Soft velvet



What was Hughie’s comment about the beggar-man’s face?

a) “What a happy face!”

b) “What a sad face!”

c) “Poor old chap! How miserable he looks!” *

d) “What a strong face!”



What did Trevor say was the reason why a beggar should not look happy?

a) Because it’s not realistic *

b) Because it’s not artistic

c) Because painters don’t want them to

d) Because it’s not fashionable



What did Trevor tell Hughie to do while he worked?

a) Smoke a cigarette and chat

b) Smoke a cigarette and keep quiet *

c) Read a book and relax

d) Take a nap and sleep



What was Trevor’s attitude towards Hughie’s chatter?

a) Encouraging

b) Irritated

c) Tolerant *

d) Amused



Why did the Baron come in disguise of a beggar to draw his picture?

a) He wanted to startle the artist.

b) He wanted to show his vanity.

c) He wanted to express his simplicity.

d) He had been under a whim. *



Why did Hughie offer a sovereign to the old model?

a) He felt sympathetic to the beggar. *

b) The beggar asked for help.

c) Hughie’s friend exploited the beggar.

d) Hughie himself was poor.



What did Hughie decide to sacrifice in order to give the sovereign to the old model of Trevor?

a) His dinner for a fortnight.

b) His weekend trip.

c) His hansom rides for a fortnight. *

d) His art lessons.



How did the poor model react when Hughie offered him a sovereign?

a) He began to weep.

b) He walked away.

c) He felt embarrassed.

d) He faintly smiled. *



Where did Hughie put the sovereign as a charity to the old poor model?

a) In the beggar’s pocket

b) In the beggar’s hand *

c) On the wooden bench 

d) On the table in Trevor’s studio



What did Hughie find in his pockets to give to the beggar man?

a) A handful of gold coins and a few shillings.

b) A few pennies and a hand note

c) A sovereign and some coppers *

d) A five- found notes and some silver coins



What prompts Hughie to give the beggar a sovereign?

a) Alan Trevor's encouragement

b) The beggar's pitiful appearance*

c) His desire to impress Laura

d) His sense of guilt



What was Trevor’s perspective on the nature of artists?

a) Artists are devoid of emotions.

b) Artists are inherently kind and generous.

c) Artists are pragmatic and realistic. *

d) Artists are social reformers.



What does Hughie offer to the beggar, thinking he is in need?

a) A job as his assistant

b) A sovereign*

c) A generous wedding present

d) Old clothes to help improve his appearance



Why did Trevor paint Baron Hausberg as a beggar?

a) Because the Baron wanted to show his poverty.

b) Because the Baron wanted to befool Hughie.

c) Because Barren Hausberg commissioned him to draw his picture. *

d) Because he wanted to show the Baron’s property



Who revealed to Hughie the real identity of the old poor model?

a) Trevor *

b) The Baron himself

c) The retired Colonel

d) Laura Merton



Why does Hughie feel that he has made a fool of himself?

a) Because he gave money to a poor person.

b) Because he didn’t recognize the Baron’s true identity.

c) Because he was deceived by the Baron’s disguise.

d) Because he gave a sovereign to someone who turned out to be extremely wealthy. *



What was Hughie’s initial impression of the old model?

a) He thought the old model was a wealthy man.

b) He thought the old model was a poor beggar. *

c) He thought the old model was a friend of Trevor’s. 

d) He thought the old model was an artist.



What did Alan Trevor remark about millionaire models?

a) They are common

b) They are rare enough *

c) They are unnecessary

d) They are unimportant



What did Alan Trevor say about model millionaires?

a) They are common

b) They are rarer still *

c) They are non-existing

d) They are available.



Who did Hughie think had come to visit him the next morning?

a) Baron Hausberg *

b) Gustave Naudin

c) Alan Trevor

d) Laura Merton



Why did Hughie think Baron Hausberg had come to visit him?

a) For an apology from him *

b) To congratulate him

c) To thank him

d) To invite him to a wedding



What was Hughie’s reaction when he received the letter and check from Baron Hausberg?

a) He was angry.

b) He was grateful. *

c) He was surprised.

d) He was indifferent.



What can be inferred about Baron Hausberg’s character from his actions in the story?

a) He is stingy and selfish.

b) He is kind and generous. *

c) He is proud and arrogant.

d) He is dishonest and deceitful.



How did Laura Merton react to the story of Hughie ‘s extravagance?

a) She openly appreciated him.

b) She was very angry with him.

c) She gave him a sweet scolding. *

d) She didn’t talk to him.



Who do you think is the most developing character in Oscar Wilde’s story “The Model Millionaire”?

a) Baron Hausberg

b) Alan Trevor

c) Hughie *

d) Laura Merton



Why suggest Trevor's paint of the old model as a beggar?

a) To show the harsh realities of poverty.

b) To highlight the contrast between appearance and reality. *

c) To create a sense of sympathy in the viewer.

d) To reveal his artistic skill.



What was Hughie’s reaction when he found out the old model’s true identity?

a) He was angry and upset.

b) He was embarrassed and ashamed.*

c) He was surprised and amused.

d) He was indifferent and unaffected.



What is Hughie Erskine's primary obstacle to marrying Laura Merton?

a) His lack of social connections

b) His disapproval of Laura's father*

c) His insufficient wealth

d) His artistic ambitions



How does Hughie initially react to the beggar who comes to Alan Trevor's studio?

a) With suspicion and distrust

b) With pity and compassion*

c) With indifference and disinterest

d) With amusement and curiosity



Who is the beggar revealed to be?

a) A disguised nobleman

b) A professional con artist

c) Baron Hausberg, a millionaire*

d) Alan Trevor's long-lost brother



How does Baron Hausberg reward Hughie for his kindness?

a) He offers him a job at his company

b) He gives him a large sum of money

c) He introduces him to influential people

d) He helps him win Laura's father's approval*



What is the significance of the title 'The Model Millionaire'?

a) It refers to Hughie's aspirations to become wealthy

b) It highlights the contrast between Hughie and Baron Hausberg

c) It emphasizes the importance of generosity and compassion

d) It satirizes the obsession with wealth and social status



What is the primary theme of the story?

a) The importance of appearances

b) The power of love

c) The value of kindness*

d) The pursuit of wealth



Which of the following best describes Alan Trevor?

a) A struggling artist

b) A successful painter*

c) A shrewd businessman

d) A loyal friend



What is the central theme of Oscar Wilde's short story " The Model Millionaire"?

a) The pursuit of wealth and material success

b) The value of generosity and charity*

c) The challenges of being a struggling artist

d) The importance of a well-crafted portrait



In the story, Hughie Erskine is best described as:

a) A wealthy aristocrat

b) A struggling artist

c) An exceptionally talented painter

d) A good-looking young man without a profession*



Who turns out to be the beggar in the story who receives a sovereign from Hughie?

a) A homeless man

b) A famous artist

c) Baron Hausberg*

d) Alan Trevor



The story emphasizes the idea that:

a) Wealth and appearance are always correlated

b) Generosity should be rewarded with material gain

c) The act of charity without expecting anything in return is noble*

d) The poor should prioritize being charming over practicality



What profession does Hughie try before becoming a "delightful, ineffectual young man"?

a) Stockbroker

b) Tea-merchant

c) Artist

d) both a & b*



How does Hughie react when he realizes he gave a sovereign to Baron Hausberg?

a) He laughs it off as a funny mistake.

b) He is relieved that the beggar is wealthy.

c) He feels embarrassed and sulkily leaves.*

d) He demands his money back from Baron Hausberg.



What does Alan Trevor do for a living?

a) Stock trading

b) Tea-merchant

c) Painting*

d) Sherry sales



How does Trevor react to Hughie's act of kindness towards the beggar?

a) He is touched by Hughie's generosity.

b) He scolds Hughie for giving away money.

c) He tells Hughie to do more for the poor.

d) He laughs and finds it amusing.*



What is the significance of the phrase "model millionaires" in the story?

a) It refers to wealthy artists.

b) It highlights the importance of good looks in success.

c) It reflects the contrast between appearances and reality.*

d) It suggests that millionaires can become successful models.



Who rewards Hughie with a generous wedding present in the story?

a) Alan Trevor

b) Laura Merton

c) Baron Hausberg*

d) The Colonel



What lesson does "The Model Millionaire" teach about wealth and charity?

a) Wealth is essential for happiness.

b) Charity should always be reciprocated.

c) The act of giving without expecting rewards is noble.*

d) Wealth leads to a more fascinating and charming life.



How does Baron Hausberg respond when he learns about Hughie's generosity?

a) He laughs at Hughie's actions.

b) He becomes angry and demands more.

c) He rewards Hughie with a wedding present.*

d) He ignores the situation entirely.



What character traits are attributed to Hughie Erskine in the story?

a) Clever and resourceful

b) Generous and compassionate*

c) Wealthy and successful

d) Ill-natured and arrogant



What does Trevor create a painting of in his studio?

a) A landscape

b) A beggar-man*

c) A still life

d) A portrait of Hughie



What does the story highlight regarding the roles of artists and their subjects?

a) Artists should only paint attractive subjects.

b) Artists should paint subjects realistically, whether they are wealthy or not.*

c) Artists are primarily focused on making money.

d) Subjects play no role in an artist's success.



According to the writer, romance is the privilege of the ………… 

a) poor

b) rich*

c) talented

d) deserving



Hughie’s father has bequeathed him a History of the Peninsular war in fifteen volumes and a ……… .

a) beautiful bungalow

b) ten thousands pounds

c) a cavalry sword*

d) gun



Laura Merton adored Hughie but she was not prepared to disregard her …………. .

a) mother’s ambition

b) father’s wishes*

c) own aspirations

d) dear friends



The beggar-man in Trevor’s studio had in one hand a stick and ………….. in the others.

a) a bag

b) a begging bowl

c) a few currently notes

d) a battered hat*



Trevor Says, “Such beggars are not to be met with everyday”. In which tone is this sentence spoken?

a) humorous

() ironical

c) contemptuous

d) all of the above*



“Don’t run away, Hughie,” he said, as he went out. “I will be back in a moment.” Where had ‘he’ gone?

a) to the kitchen

b) to talk to Baron Hausberg

c) to see the frame maker*

d) to fetch paint



According to Trevor, an artist’s heart is in his …………… .

a) mind

b) head*

c) soul

d) feelings



When they were married who made a speech at the wedding breakfast ?

a) Alan Trevor

b) Baron Hausberg*

c) Laura Merton

d) None of the above



What was Alan Trevor’s profession?

a) Writer

b) Painter*

c) Musician

d) Sculptor



What was the artist, Trevor, working on when Hughie arrived?

a) A portrait of a young woman

b) A landscape scene

c) A life-size painting of a beggar-man*

d) An abstract piece



What was the beggar doing with his hat?

a) Wearing it on his head

b) Tucked under his arm

c) Holding it out for alms*

d) Swinging it playfully



Trevor stated the model’s hourly wage is:

a) A few shillings

b) One shilling*

c) Ten shilling

d) More than the artist



How did the old man react when Hughie gave him money?

a) He yelled in anger.

b) He laughed loudly.

c) He smiled faintly.*

d) He remained emotionless.



What physical description is given of the visitor?

a) Young and athletic

b) Old with gold spectacles and grey hair*

c) Tall and well-dressed

d) Short and unassuming


'The Night Mail' by W.H. Auden's Question and Answers - MCQ, RTC, SAQ easy

ICSE Class 9 English Treasure Chest Poem The Night Mail Text-Based Questions Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) with answers based, Reference ...