Chapter 10
The Beggar
1. Has Lushkoff become a beggar by circumstance or by choice?
Ans- Lushkoff became a beggar by choice rather than circumstance. He lost his job as a singer due to his drinking habit and chose to beg instead of working. However, with Olga’s help, he reformed, quit drinking, and became a respectable notary.
2. What reasons does he give to Sergei for his telling lies?
Ans- Lushkoff tells Sergei that he lies out of necessity because if he tells the truth, no one will help him. Initially, he falsely claims to be a schoolteacher, but later admits that he was a choir singer who lost his job due to drunkenness. His addiction made him unable to work, so he resorted to begging and lying to survive.
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 is weak and lazy due to his drinking habit, and he has no real desire to work hard.
However, he agrees to chop wood for Sergei because he feels ashamed and helpless after being caught lying. He fears that refusing might make Sergei angry and stop giving him money. Though he agrees, it is actually Olga, the cook, who chops the wood for him, which eventually helps him change his ways.
However, he agrees to chop wood for Sergei because he feels ashamed and helpless after being caught lying. He fears that refusing might make Sergei angry and stop giving him money. Though he agrees, it is actually Olga, the cook, who chops the wood for him, which eventually helps him change his ways.
4. Sergei says, "I am happy that my words have taken effect." Why does he say so? Is he right in saying this?
Ans- Sergei says, "I am happy that my words have taken effect," because he thinks his scolding and making Lushkoff work helped reform him. However, he is not entirely right. The real reason for Lushkoff’s change was Olga, the cook, who secretly helped him and made him feel ashamed, leading to his transformation.
5. Lushkoff is earning thirty five roubles a month. How is he obliged to Sergei for this?
Ans- Lushkoff is earning thirty-five roubles a month as a notary and feels grateful to Sergei. He believes that Sergei’s scolding and efforts helped him change his ways. However, in reality, the real reason for his transformation was Olga, the cook, who secretly helped him and made him feel ashamed of his laziness. Though Sergei provided the opportunity, it was Olga’s kindness that truly reformed him.
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- Lushkoff reveals that Olga, Sergei’s cook, is the real reason behind his transformation. Though Sergei forced him to work, it was Olga who secretly did his tasks while scolding and pitying him.
Her kindness and silent help made Lushkoff feel ashamed of his laziness. This emotional impact motivated him to change his ways, quit drinking, and find honest work. Thus, Olga saved Lushkoff not by punishment, but through compassion and silent support.
Her kindness and silent help made Lushkoff feel ashamed of his laziness. This emotional impact motivated him to change his ways, quit drinking, and find honest work. Thus, Olga saved Lushkoff not by punishment, but through compassion and silent support.
Type- Ankur Moni Nath
