Sergie's Delight at Seeing Lushkoff at the Theatre in "The Beggar" by Anton Chekhov

Introduction:
In Anton Chekhov's short story "The Beggar," Sergie, the main character, is extremely delighted to see Lushkoff at the theatre. This unexpected encounter brings joy and excitement to Sergie for several reasons.

1. Recognition and Reunion:
Seeing Lushkoff at the theatre allows Sergie to recognize an old acquaintance and reunite with someone from his past. Sergie, who has fallen from his previous social standing and has been reduced to begging, may often feel isolated and forgotten by society. However, encountering Lushkoff reminds him of a time when he was part of a social circle and had relationships with others. This recognition and reunion bring a sense of belonging and validation to Sergie, making him extremely delighted.

2. Emotional Connection:
The sight of Lushkoff evokes strong emotions in Sergie. The story suggests that Lushkoff was a close friend or even a former lover of Sergie's daughter, Sonya. Sergie deeply cares for Sonya and is concerned about her well-being. Therefore, seeing Lushkoff reminds Sergie of his daughter and the emotional connection they share. This emotional bond fills Sergie with happiness and relief, as he learns indirectly about Sonya's presence and possibly her welfare.

3. Hope for Assistance and Support:
Sergie's delight at seeing Lushkoff stems from the anticipation of potential assistance and support. Lushkoff is depicted as a wealthy and influential individual, contrasting Sergie's current destitute state. Sergie may hope that Lushkoff's presence at the theatre indicates his willingness to help those less fortunate. Sergie's delight, in this case, arises from the possibility of receiving financial or any other form of aid from Lushkoff, which could alleviate his current struggles.

Conclusion:
In "The Beggar," Sergie's extreme delight at seeing Lushkoff at the theatre can be attributed to various factors. These include the recognition and reunion with an old acquaintance, the emotional connection to his daughter, and the hope for assistance and support. This encounter serves as a brief respite from Sergie's challenging existence and brings a moment of joy and excitement into his life.