The Beggar

Summary

Lushkoff was a beggar. While begging he met an advocate Sergei. Sergei found out that he was telling lies to people in order to win their sympathy. He wanted to change the beggar and gave him work. Sergei asked the beggar to cut wood and directed the cook Olga to show him the shed where wood was kept. The beggar was too weak and was under the influence of alcohol. Olga scolded him and reported that the work was finished. Every month the beggar used to come to Sergei’s house and earn some money doing odd jobs.

When Sergei shifted his house, he employed the beggar to transport household articles.  Sergei noticed that the beggar had changed as he was sober that day. Satisfied that his efforts had paid in reforming a drunkard, Sergei recommended the beggar to a better job.

After two years, Sergei chanced to see Lushkoff at a theatre. Sergei came to know that Lushkoff was now working as a notary and earned 35 Roubles a month. Lushkoff revealed that it was not for Sergei but for his cook, Olga that he was a changed man. She would scold him, cry for him, and chopped the wood for him. Her behaviour transformed Lushkoff.

Think about it (Answers to the questions on Page 67)

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

Lushkoff was a middle-aged man and belonged to a choir group. He was sent out of the choir because of his drinking habits. He became a beggar by choice as he did not like to work hard.

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

Lushkoff told Sergei the truth and accepted that he was a liar. He said that he told lies to gain sympathy from others. He reasoned that if he had spoken the truth he wouldn’t be helped by anyone.

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

No, Lushkoff was not a willing worker. He was too weak to work. He agreed to chop wood because of pride and shame and he had been trapped by his own words. So he had no other way but to accept Sergei’s offer.

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

Sergei looked satisfied with the transformation of the beggar and felt happy. But he was not right in saying so because Lushkoff had not developed the habit of working hard. He was still a lazy fellow.

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

Sergei played an important role in improving the condition of the beggar. It was because of Sergei that Lushkoff could earn thirty five roubles a month. He believed that the beggar was a changed man and sent him to one of his friends to do the job of copying. Later he became a notary.

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

Olga realised the condition of Lushkoff and took pity on him. She tried her best to improve the same. She did the work of his part as she wanted to change him. She kept criticizing him in order to improve him. He understood her feelings towards him and a change took place in his heart. So, Olga was responsible for the positive change in him.