The beggar–Class-9–English–Summary–questions-and-answers–CBSE-NCERT

 

 

Summary – The Beggar by Anton Chekhov

 

The story “The Beggar” by Anton Chekhov teaches the value of honesty, hard work, and kindness.

 

A man named Sergei, a kind but practical advocate, meets a beggar named Lushkoff who lies about his identity. At first, Lushkoff pretends to be a schoolteacher and later a singer, trying to get money through false stories. Sergei recognizes his lies and offers him work instead of charity.

 

Sergei’s cook, Olga, helps Lushkoff with his tasks — chopping wood and other chores. Though Lushkoff doesn’t actually do the work himself, Olga completes it for him but scolds him with compassion. Over time, her kindness and moral strength change Lushkoff completely.

 

Years later, Lushkoff becomes a notary (law clerk). He thanks Sergei but reveals that it was Olga’s sympathy and hard work that truly reformed him.

 

The story conveys that kindness and compassion can transform even the worst liar or beggar into an honest human being.

 

 

Glossary

 

Advocate – A lawyer; a person who argues cases in court.

Tattered – Torn and worn out.

Timidly – In a shy or nervous way.

Pitiful – Causing feelings of pity or sympathy.

Mendacity – Lying or untruthfulness.

Rebuke – To criticize or scold.

Laborer – A person doing physical work.

Sober – Serious and thoughtful.

Wretched – Very poor or miserable.

Compassion – Deep sympathy and concern for others.

Transformation – A complete change in character or behavior.

Conscience – A sense of right and wrong.

Gratitude – Thankfulness or appreciation.

Reformation – Improvement or change for the better.

Deception – The act of lying or misleading someone.

 

 

Short Questions and Answers

 

Q1. Who is the author of “The Beggar”?

Ans. The story “The Beggar” is written by Anton Chekhov, a famous Russian writer known for his realistic and humanistic short stories.

 

Q2. Who was Lushkoff?

Ans. Lushkoff was a poor beggar who lied to people for money. He pretended to be a schoolteacher or a singer to gain sympathy from others.

 

Q3. How did Sergei meet Lushkoff?

Ans. Sergei met Lushkoff when the beggar approached him outside his gate, pretending to be a hungry schoolteacher who had lost his job.

 

Q4. What lie did Lushkoff tell Sergei?

Ans. Lushkoff lied that he had once been a schoolteacher but lost his job and was forced to beg for survival.

 

Q5. How did Sergei find out that Lushkoff was lying?

Ans. Sergei remembered seeing Lushkoff earlier at another place where he had claimed to be a singer, not a teacher. This made Sergei realize the beggar was lying.

 

Q6. What did Sergei offer Lushkoff instead of money?

Ans. Sergei offered Lushkoff a chance to work by chopping wood at his house, instead of simply giving him charity.

 

Q7. Did Lushkoff actually chop the wood himself?

Ans. No. Lushkoff didn’t chop the wood himself. It was Olga, Sergei’s cook, who did the work for him out of kindness.

 

Q8. How did Olga help Lushkoff?

Ans. Olga chopped the wood for Lushkoff, scolded him for his laziness and drinking, but also wept for him out of pity. Her emotional support changed him deeply.

 

Q9. What change did Lushkoff show after working with Sergei?

Ans. Gradually, Lushkoff stopped lying, gave up drinking, and began to work honestly. He became a humble and sincere man.

 

Q10. What job did Lushkoff later get?

Ans. Lushkoff got a job as a notary (law clerk) and began to earn a respectable living through honest work.

 

Q11. How did Sergei feel when he met Lushkoff again?

Ans. Sergei felt proud and happy to see Lushkoff transformed into a successful, respectable man earning through his own efforts.

 

Q12. What truth did Lushkoff reveal at the end?

Ans. Lushkoff revealed that it was not Sergei but Olga’s kindness and compassion that had reformed him and changed his heart.

 

Q13. What lesson did Sergei want to teach the beggar?

Ans. Sergei wanted to teach Lushkoff the dignity of labor and the importance of earning one’s living through honest work instead of begging.

 

Q14. What effect did Olga’s kindness have on Lushkoff?

Ans. Olga’s compassion and tears touched Lushkoff’s conscience. Her kindness made him ashamed of his lies and inspired him to change his life for good.

 

Q15. Why did Olga cry when chopping the wood?

Ans. Olga cried out of pity for Lushkoff’s miserable condition. She scolded him for his laziness but helped him because she truly wanted him to improve.

 

Q16. What does the story teach about charity?

Ans. The story teaches that true charity lies in helping someone change and become independent — not in giving money, but in giving moral support and opportunities.

 

Q17. How does Lushkoff show gratitude in the end?

Ans. Lushkoff meets Sergei, thanks him, and emotionally confesses that Olga’s kindness transformed him from a beggar into an honest worker.

 

Q18. What does the story tell us about human transformation?

Ans. The story shows that even a liar or beggar can change if treated with compassion and given a chance to work. Kindness can awaken one’s conscience.

 

Q19. How did Sergei treat Lushkoff at first?

Ans. At first, Sergei was angry at Lushkoff for lying. But instead of punishing him, he chose to help by offering him honest work.

 

Q20. What was Lushkoff’s condition when Sergei met him first?

Ans. Lushkoff was weak, dirty, hungry, and dressed in torn clothes. He looked miserable and hopeless when he came to Sergei’s house.

 

Q21. What kind of person was Olga?

Ans. Olga was kind, emotional, and generous. She not only worked on behalf of Lushkoff but also cared for him deeply, like a mother.

 

Q22. Why did Sergei decide to help Lushkoff despite his lies?

Ans. Sergei believed in reforming people instead of rejecting them. He thought giving work would help Lushkoff regain self-respect and honesty.

 

Q23. What made Lushkoff stop drinking?

Ans. Lushkoff stopped drinking because Olga’s kindness and tears awakened his conscience. He realized that he was wasting his life and decided to reform.

 

Q24. Why did Lushkoff not want to beg anymore?

Ans. Lushkoff understood that begging was shameful and dishonest. After experiencing Olga’s compassion, he wanted to live a life of dignity through hard work.

 

Q25. What kind of life did Lushkoff lead after his transformation?

Ans. After his transformation, Lushkoff worked as a notary, lived honestly, and earned respect. He was sober, grateful, and happy with his new life.

 

Q26. What does Sergei’s act of helping the beggar show about him?

Ans. Sergei was a man of principles and compassion. He disliked lies but believed in reforming people through opportunities rather than punishment.

 

Q27. Why did Olga’s help mean more to Lushkoff than Sergei’s?

Ans. While Sergei gave him work, it was Olga’s emotional warmth and genuine concern that touched Lushkoff’s heart and inspired him to change.

 

Q28. How is the ending of the story uplifting?

Ans. The story ends positively, showing Lushkoff as a reformed and grateful man. It proves that compassion can bring out the best even in the worst people.

 

Q29. What does the story teach about dignity of labor?

Ans. It teaches that working honestly, even in small tasks like chopping wood, is far better than begging or lying for survival.

 

Q30. What moral does “The Beggar” convey?

Ans. The story conveys that honesty, compassion, and hard work can change lives. True kindness lies in helping others become independent, not dependent.

 

 

Long Questions and Answers

 

Q1. Describe the first meeting between Sergei and the beggar.

A. Sergei first met the beggar, Lushkoff, at his gate. The beggar looked weak and miserable and claimed that he had once been a teacher who lost his job and was forced to beg. Sergei recognized him as the same man who had earlier told him a different story — that he was a student. Angry at his lies, Sergei scolded him but later decided to help him instead of insulting him. He offered Lushkoff some work chopping wood, which became the turning point in the beggar’s life.

 

Q2. What made Sergei feel sympathetic toward Lushkoff?

A. Even though Sergei was annoyed by Lushkoff’s lies, he realized that shouting at him would not help. He felt pity for the man’s condition and decided to give him a chance to earn honestly. Sergei understood that Lushkoff’s lies came from desperation and hunger. Instead of handing out money, he chose to help him reform by offering small jobs. This act of kindness showed Sergei’s compassionate and practical nature, which later played a big role in changing Lushkoff’s life.

 

Q3. How did Olga, the cook, play an important role in Lushkoff’s transformation?

A. Olga was the cook in Sergei’s house, and she was a kind-hearted woman. When Sergei asked Lushkoff to chop wood, Olga did the work herself out of pity for the poor man. She scolded him but also cried for his miserable condition. Her tears, sympathy, and silent help touched Lushkoff deeply. It was not Sergei’s lecture, but Olga’s compassion that truly changed his heart. She inspired him to stop drinking and live honestly. Later, Lushkoff admitted that Olga’s kindness reformed his character.

 

Q4. What changes did Lushkoff undergo after meeting Sergei?

A. Before meeting Sergei, Lushkoff was a weak, lazy, and dishonest beggar who lived on lies and alcohol. After Sergei helped him and Olga supported him, his attitude changed. He started feeling ashamed of his old life. Gradually, he gave up drinking and began working honestly. With Sergei’s recommendation, he got a job as a clerk and later became a notary earning thirty-five roubles a month. His transformation from a beggar to a respectable man shows that kindness and trust can reform even the most hopeless people.

 

Q5. What moral lesson does the story “The Beggar” teach us?

A. The story teaches the value of kindness, compassion, and the power of goodness to bring change. It shows that scolding or punishing does not reform a person; instead, love and understanding do. Olga’s sympathy helped Lushkoff regain his self-respect and change his ways. The story also conveys that no one is born bad — people often go astray because of circumstances. When treated with empathy and respect, they can become better human beings. Thus, “The Beggar” is a story of redemption through love.

 

Q6. Why did Lushkoff lie to Sergei? Was he a bad person?

A. Lushkoff lied because he was desperate and helpless. He made up stories about being a student or a teacher to get sympathy and money. However, he was not bad at heart — he was weak and had lost faith in himself. He lied to survive, not to cheat. When Sergei and Olga showed him kindness and trust, he realized his mistakes and changed. His transformation proves that he was not evil but a victim of bad circumstances who needed guidance and love.

 

Q7. Why did Sergei offer work to the beggar instead of giving him money?

A. Sergei was a practical and kind man. He knew that giving money to beggars encourages laziness. When Lushkoff came to him for help, Sergei decided to offer work instead of charity. He wanted the man to earn with dignity. By doing so, Sergei gave Lushkoff a chance to regain his self-respect. This thoughtful act helped Lushkoff reform his life. Sergei’s decision shows that true help means guiding someone toward self-dependence, not temporary comfort.

 

Q8. How did Lushkoff finally express his gratitude to Olga and Sergei?

A. After two years, Lushkoff met Sergei again at a theatre. He was now a notary earning thirty-five roubles a month. He thanked Sergei for his help but revealed that it was not Sergei’s lectures that changed him — it was Olga’s kindness. He told Sergei how Olga chopped wood for him and cried for his misery. Her tears and compassion touched his soul and reformed him. Lushkoff’s confession shows his honesty and deep gratitude for the people who changed his life.

 

Q9. Compare Sergei and Olga’s roles in reforming Lushkoff.

A. Sergei helped Lushkoff by giving him work and guiding him toward honesty, while Olga helped him emotionally and spiritually. Sergei gave him opportunities; Olga gave him hope and love. Sergei was practical and strict, but Olga was tender and compassionate. It was Olga’s tears and kindness that truly transformed Lushkoff’s heart. Both played important roles — Sergei began the process of reform, and Olga completed it. Together, they show that both discipline and kindness are needed to change a person.

 

Q10. What kind of life did Lushkoff live before meeting Sergei?

A. Before meeting Sergei, Lushkoff lived a miserable life. He was unemployed, homeless, and addicted to alcohol. He survived by lying and begging on the streets. He had lost his self-respect and willpower. His condition was so poor that he could not even work when Sergei first helped him. However, his life changed completely when Sergei offered him work and Olga helped him with kindness. This shows that even a fallen person can rise again with proper guidance.

 

Q11. What does the story tell us about human nature?

A. The story shows that every human being has goodness within. People may commit mistakes or live wrongly due to poverty or bad company, but love and understanding can awaken their better side. Lushkoff’s reformation proves that even the weakest person can change with support. It also highlights that judging others harshly never helps; kindness and empathy are more powerful. Anton Chekhov’s story beautifully reflects faith in human goodness and the power of compassion.

 

Q12. What is the significance of the title “The Beggar”?

A. The title “The Beggar” is significant because it represents not just Lushkoff’s physical poverty but also his moral weakness. At the beginning, he is a beggar both in wealth and character. By the end, he is no longer a beggar — he becomes honest and self-reliant. The title symbolizes his journey from dependence to dignity. It also reminds us that many people need emotional help more than money. Thus, the title perfectly fits the story’s theme of moral transformation.

 

Q13. How did Olga’s tears bring a change in Lushkoff’s heart?

A. Olga’s tears were a symbol of pure kindness. When she saw Lushkoff’s helplessness, she secretly chopped the wood he was supposed to chop, crying over his condition. Her compassion touched Lushkoff’s heart deeply. He realized how selfless and caring she was. Her tears acted like a mirror that showed him his miserable state and awakened his conscience. They inspired him to give up drinking and live a respectable life. Her emotional care succeeded where harsh words could not.

 

Q14. What was Sergei’s attitude toward beggars?

A. Sergei disliked beggars who lied and cheated to gain sympathy. However, he was not heartless. When he met Lushkoff, he scolded him but also felt pity. Sergei believed that instead of giving alms, offering work was a better way to help. He wanted to reform the beggar by teaching him self-respect and honesty. His attitude was practical, firm, and kind. He believed that true help is not giving money but guiding someone toward a better life.

 

Q15. How is “The Beggar” a story of human redemption?

A. “The Beggar” is a story of moral and emotional redemption. Lushkoff begins as a liar and drunkard, begging to survive. Sergei gives him a chance to work, and Olga’s kindness awakens his conscience. He gradually gives up bad habits and becomes an honest worker. His transformation shows that anyone can redeem themselves if given love and support. The story highlights that redemption comes through compassion, not punishment.

 

Q16. How does the story show the difference between charity and real help?

A. The story shows that charity gives temporary relief, while real help brings permanent change. If Sergei had only given money, Lushkoff would have remained a beggar. Instead, he offered him work, restoring his dignity. Olga’s compassion gave him emotional strength. Together, they reformed him completely. Chekhov thus teaches that true kindness means helping others stand on their own feet rather than keeping them dependent.

 

Q17. What qualities of Olga make her the true heroine of the story?

A. Olga is kind, humble, and motherly. Though she scolds Lushkoff for being lazy, she secretly helps him by chopping the wood herself. Her tears and sympathy show her deep humanity. She does not expect reward or praise for her good deeds. Her silent kindness reforms Lushkoff completely. She represents the moral heart of the story — the power of love and compassion to bring goodness in others.

 

Q18. How did Sergei feel after Lushkoff’s transformation?

A. When Sergei met Lushkoff again at the theatre, he was surprised and proud to see him as a well-dressed, respectable man. Sergei felt satisfaction that his efforts were successful. However, when Lushkoff revealed that it was Olga who changed him, Sergei felt grateful and humbled. He realized that kindness is stronger than words. His happiness lay in knowing that the man he once helped had become honest and self-reliant.

 

Q19. What role does honesty play in “The Beggar”?

A. Honesty is the central theme of the story. Lushkoff begins as a liar, but through Sergei’s guidance and Olga’s kindness, he learns the value of truth. He stops lying, starts working, and becomes honest in life. His honesty at the end, when he admits that Olga helped him the most, shows his complete transformation. The story teaches that honesty, self-respect, and hard work lead to real success.

 

Q20. What message does Anton Chekhov convey through this story?

A. Chekhov’s message is that love and compassion can change human lives. He wants readers to understand that instead of judging or ignoring the poor, we should help them reform. The story also emphasizes that emotional support is more powerful than material help. Sergei and Olga’s kindness transform a beggar into a gentleman. Chekhov reminds us that true humanity lies in understanding, forgiveness, and empathy.