NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Moments Chapter 9 - The Beggar

Chapter 10 - The Beggar

Think About It

Q.1. Has Lushkoff become a beggar by circumstance or by choice?
Ans. Lushkoff becomes a beggar by circumstance rather than by choice. He explains to Sergei that he was a village schoolteacher for eight years, but he lost his position due to intrigues and calumny. After losing his job, he fell into a state of destitution and poverty. Lushkoff expresses his desperation, mentioning that he hasn't had anything to eat for three days and lacks the money to travel to a new job opportunity in the province of Kaluga. His plea for help and his willingness to do menial labor for Sergei suggest that his begging is a result of unfortunate circumstances rather than a deliberate choice.

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

Lushkoff tells Sergei that he resorts to telling lies out of necessity for survival. He explains that when he truthfully reveals his predicament, people are unwilling to assist him. Lushkoff believes that lying becomes a means of garnering sympathy and support, especially in his desperate circumstances. The lies serve as a strategy to improve his chances of receiving help, as he faces challenges like hunger and the need to travel for a potential job opportunity.

Q.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 for Sergei not because he was hungry and wanted work but because of his pride and shame and since he had been trapped by his own words. 
• His strength had been undermined by drinking too much vodka and he was unhealthy and did not feel the slightest inclination to do any work.

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Q.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 got Lushkoff to work for him the first time, he wasn’t a willing worker. But after chopping wood for Sergei and helping him move houses, Sergei noticed that Lushkoff had developed a willingness to work. 
• On seeing this, Sergei felt content that his advice had brought Lushkoff on the right path and that he wouldn’t have to beg again for a living. If Sergei had not helped Lushkoff, he’s have lied on the streets begging.

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

• Lushkoff was obliged to Sergei because if he had not come to Sergei, then he might still have been calling himself a teacher or a student. He would have been begging. 
• By listening to Sergei, he had changed his ways. He was a notary and earned thirty five roubles a month.

Q.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 credits Olga, Sergei's cook, with saving him by her compassionate words and actions. Despite initially being assigned to chop wood for Sergei, Lushkoff admits that he did not perform any of the physical labor. Instead, Olga took on the task of chopping wood for him. While doing so, she would scold him, express concern about his situation, and even weep.

Olga's kindness and empathy towards Lushkoff went beyond mere physical assistance. Her emotional support and genuine care made a significant impact on him. Lushkoff suggests that her words, noble deeds, and the misery she expressed for his sake played a crucial role in his transformation. Olga's intervention, both in performing the physical labor and offering emotional support, contributed to Lushkoff's positive change, ultimately leading him away from his past struggles with alcoholism and destitution.