‘The Beggar’ is a lesson in Class 9 English Textbook. Here you get the question & answers of the textbook exercice.
THINK ABOUT IT
1. Has Lushkoff become a beggar by circumstance or by choice?
Ans. Lushkoff has become a beggar by circumstance and not by choice. Formerly, he sang in a Russian choir, but was sent away for drunkenness. He has no other option but to beg.
2. What reasons does he give to Sergei for his telling lies?
Ans. Lushkoff says that he can’t get along without telling lies. If he tells the truth, no one will give him anything. So he has no other option.
3. Is Lushkoff a willing worker? Why, then, does he agree to chop wood for Sergei?
Ans. No, Lushkoff is not a willing worker. He agrees to chop wood not because he is hungry and looking for some work. He gets ready to chop wood as he is afraid lest Sergei should send for the police.
4. Sergei says, “I am happy that my words have taken effect.” Why does he say so? Is he right in saying this?
Ans. When Sergei asks Lushkoff to chop wood, he is reluctant to do so yet he agrees to do as he is afraid of the police. But after chopping wood and doing some more jobs, Sergei notices that Lushkoff is growing into a willing worker. So Sergei feels satisfied that his suggestion has changed a beggar into a responsible man to some extent. Now he is not going to beg anymore to earn a living. Had Sergei not helped Lushkoff, he would have been begging on the streets and telling convenient lies.
5. Lushkoff is earning thirty-five roubles a month. How is he obliged to Sergei for this?
Ans. Lushkoff owes Sergei for transforming his life from begging on the streets to earning a respectable income as a notary. Sergei’s guidance and opportunities led Lushkoff away from a life of dishonesty and destitution. Additionally, Olga’s intervention, through scolding and offering practical help, played a crucial role in inspiring Lushkoff to change his ways. Her care and encouragement contributed significantly to his transformation. This narrative underscores the importance of providing opportunities for self-sufficiency rather than enabling dependency through alms.
6. During their conversation Lushkoff reveals that Sergei’s cook, Olga, is responsible for the positive change in him. How has Olga saved Lushkoff?
Ans. When Lushkoff comes to chop wood, Olga scolds and curses him. Olga is wonderstruck at his misery and asks him to change his ways or he would suffer forever. Besides, she chops wood for him. Lushkoff is overwhelmed by her concern for her, and finally, he rises from a beggar to a notary earning a handsome amount for his living.
