Wednesday, February 4, 2026

The Beggar

 

1.                        Has Lushkoff become a beggar by circumstance or by choice?

Lushkoff became a beggar by circumstance, not choice. Alcoholism ruined his singing career and left him too weak for labour, forcing him into begging for survival.

1.                        What reasons does he give to Sergei for his telling lies?

Lushkoff explains to Sergei that he tells lies because honest stories about his life—a failed singer ruined by alcoholism—fail to evoke pity, so he fabricates tales like calling himself a schoolteacher or a student to get alms.

1.                        Is Lushkoff a willing worker? Why, then, does he agree to chop wood for Sergei?

No, Lushkoff is not a willing worker.

Alcoholism had sapped his strength, leaving him physically unfit for labour.

He agrees to chop wood simply from pride and shame and beacause he had been trapped by his own words.

1.                        Sergei says, “I am happy that my words have taken effect.” Why does he say so? Is he right in saying this?

Sergei says this because he believes his scolding and advice made Lushkoff give up begging and change his life.

He is not completely right. The real reason for Lushkoff’s change was Olga’s kindness and sympathy, which touched his heart and reformed him.

1.                        Lushkoff is earning thirty-five roubles a month. How is he obliged to Sergei for this?

Lushkoff is obliged to Sergei because Sergei gave him his first honest work opportunity (chopping wood), which restored his self-respect and led to a copying job with Sergei's friend, enabling Lushkoff to become a well-paid notary earning 35 roubles monthly.

1.                        During their conversation Lushkoff reveals that Sergei’s cook, Olga, is responsible for the positive change in him. How has Olga saved Lushkoff?

Olga saved Lushkoff by secretly chopping the wood for him, knowing his alcoholism had left him too weak for the task.

While scolding him harshly to awaken his conscience, her tears, pity, and selfless acts restored his self-respect, inspiring him to quit drinking and embrace an honest life.


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The Beggar

  1.                         Has Lushkoff become a beggar by circumstance or by choice? Lushkoff became a beggar by circumstance, not choi...