Exam-oriented note for Chapter 9: The Beggar from English Beehive – Class IX, with a point-wise summary and detailed Q&A:
Chapter 9: The Beggar
Author: Anton Chekhov
Point-wise Summary
- The story revolves around Sergei, a kind-hearted advocate, and a drunken beggar named Lushkoff.
- Lushkoff lies about being a school teacher to earn money by begging.
- Sergei catches his lie but offers him honest work instead of giving money.
- He asks Lushkoff to chop wood at his house.
- Lushkoff is physically weak and unwilling, but the cook Olga silently helps by chopping the wood for him.
- Over time, Lushkoff is offered more small jobs and eventually changes his behavior.
- Two years later, Sergei meets him again—Lushkoff is now a notary and earns a decent living.
- He admits it was Olga’s kindness and silent support that reformed him—not Sergei’s scolding.
Theme
- Power of kindness and compassion to reform
- True charity involves giving opportunities, not just money
- Silent service can bring great change
- Moral redemption through empathy, not punishment
Word Meanings
- Advocate – A lawyer
- Haggard – Tired-looking or worn-out
- Melancholy – Sadness or sorrow
- Reformation – A change for the better
- Notary – A public officer who certifies documents
Important Questions and Answers
1. Who was Lushkoff and how did Sergei first meet him?
Lushkoff was a beggar who lied about being a former teacher. Sergei met him while he was asking for money using false stories.
2. What did Sergei do when he learned the beggar was lying?
Instead of being angry, Sergei offered him honest work—cutting wood—so he could earn money with dignity.
3. Why didn’t Lushkoff do the wood-cutting himself?
He was weak due to alcoholism and had no strength. The cook, Olga, took pity on him and did the work for him.
4. How did Olga contribute to Lushkoff’s transformation?
Olga did his work silently and scolded him like a mother. Her silent help, pity, and moral guidance touched Lushkoff and led to his inner change.
5. What change occurred in Lushkoff after meeting Sergei and Olga?
He stopped drinking, started working, and eventually became a responsible notary earning his own livelihood.
6. Why does Lushkoff say he is grateful to Olga, not Sergei?
Because Olga’s silent compassion and help changed him emotionally. Her genuine care inspired him to leave begging and live with self-respect.
7. What message does the story convey about charity?
True charity is not just about giving money—it’s about offering dignity, opportunity, and kindness that can lead to long-term change.
8. What kind of man was Sergei?
Sergei was principled and kind. Though he caught the beggar’s lie, he didn’t punish him but helped him reform by offering honest work.
9. What does the story teach us about transformation?
Change is possible when someone is shown kindness, understanding, and support—especially when it is sincere and consistent.
10. What is the significance of the title “The Beggar”?
It represents not only Lushkoff’s physical condition but also his moral and emotional state at the beginning, which is transformed by the end.
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