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Chapter Analysis
Intermediate5 pages • EnglishQuick Summary
The chapter 'The Beggar' revolves around Lushkoff, a beggar who resorts to deception to gain sympathy and money. He encounters Sergei, an advocate, who offers him work instead of money. Though Lushkoff agrees to chop wood out of pride rather than necessity, it is Sergei’s cook, Olga, who ultimately helps him change his ways by secretly doing his work and expressing sorrow for his state. This compassion leads to Lushkoff reforming his life, eventually becoming a notary.
Key Topics
- •Deception and truth
- •Compassion and transformation
- •Pride and self-worth
- •Role of societal opportunities
- •Personal change and redemption
Learning Objectives
- ✓Understand the role of compassion in personal transformation.
- ✓Analyze the moral lessons about honesty and self-improvement.
- ✓Identify character motivations through indirect characterization.
- ✓Examine the effects of societal expectations on individuals.
- ✓Explore the author's use of dialogues to convey themes.
Questions in Chapter
Has Lushkoff become a beggar by circumstance or by choice?
Page 61
What reasons does he give to Sergei for his telling lies?
Page 61
Is Lushkoff a willing worker? Why, then, does he agree to chop wood for Sergei?
Page 61
Sergei says, “I am happy that my words have taken effect.” Why does he say so? Is he right in saying this?
Page 62
Lushkoff is earning thirty five roubles a month. How is he obliged to Sergei for this?
Page 62
During their conversation Lushkoff reveals that Sergei’s cook, Olga, is responsible for the positive change in him. How has Olga saved Lushkoff?
Page 62
Additional Practice Questions
What role does compassion play in transforming Lushkoff’s life?
mediumAnswer: Compassion, especially from Olga, plays a vital role in Lushkoff's transformation. Her secret act of chopping wood for him and her candid emotional appeals evoke a change in him, showing him a path away from deception and idleness.
Why is Lushkoff grateful to Olga more than Sergei?
mediumAnswer: Lushkoff is grateful to Olga because, although Sergei gave him an opportunity, it was Olga who did the actual work and emotionally invested in his well-being, inspiring change through her empathetic actions.
Describe the transformation of Lushkoff from a beggar to a notary.
hardAnswer: Lushkoff's transformation is driven by the initial opportunity Sergei provides, the hidden labor of Olga, and his own eventual realization of the need for genuine change, leading him to a stable job as a notary.
What does the character of Sergei represent in the story?
easyAnswer: Sergei represents the societal point of view that focuses on promoting self-reliance and hard work. He offers Lushkoff an opportunity to improve his condition, reflecting the attitude of giving people a chance rather than mere charity.
How does Anton Chekhov use dialogue to reveal character in the story?
mediumAnswer: Chekhov employs dialogue to show Lushkoff's initial dishonesty, Sergei's frustration and eventual help, and Olga's compassionate, though harsh, encouragement. The dialogues reveal the transformation in Lushkoff and the personality traits of other characters.