Wilde shows Hugh to be a hypocrite who takes advantage of little Hans while pretending to be his friend.

We first see Hugh as unlikable in how generously he helps himself to flowers and fruits from Hans's garden although he is rich and could pay for these items—or at least give Hans a gift in return, such as some of the flour from his mill.

Hugh is also unlikable in the way he doesn't visit Hans in the wintertime, when Hans has nothing to offer him. He is the proverbial fair weather friend, only around when he can get something from Hans but absent when his friend has a need.

Later, in the spring, Hugh takes advantage of the friendship by saying he is going to give Hans a broken wheelbarrow and instead using this promise to extort all sorts of favors from his friend. Hans spends so much time doing things for Hugh that he doesn't have time to do his own work. Eventually, getting a doctor for Hugh's son, he falls into water and drowns.

We can see from how Hugh acts that he is a false friend. He is a user, and he takes cruel advantage of Hans. Wilde is saying that friendship is not shown by saying you are a friend but by being a friend to others. This means giving to them freely and helping them when they are down and out.