Class 9 English - HARYANA
Supplementary: The Beggar
Supplementary: The Beggar from the Class 9 English Moments textbook, prescribed by the Haryana Board of School Education (BSEH), tells a heartwarming story about transformation and empathy. It revolves around a struggling drunkard named Lushkoff who lies to earn alms, and a kind-hearted advocate named Sergei who tries to reform him. However, the real catalyst for Lushkoff's transformation is Sergei's cook, Olga, whose harsh words mask deep compassion. The chapter carries high weightage for board exams, testing students' understanding of character development, moral values, and narrative comprehension through objective and long-answer questions.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Character of Lushkoff
A weak, alcoholic, and impoverished man who resorts to begging by telling lies about being a ousted village school teacher or student, but ultimately transforms into a hard-working notary.
Character of Sergei
A stern but well-meaning advocate who believes in strict discipline and hard work, giving Lushkoff odd jobs to help him quit his addiction.
Role of Olga
Sergei's cook who scolds and weeps for Lushkoff on the outside, but secretly chops the wood for him out of genuine pity, sparking his inner redemption.
Theme of Transformation
The story highlights how love, compassion, noble deeds, and timely intervention can reform even the most ruined and hopeless individuals.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Haryana (BSEH) Class 9 English exams, this chapter typically carries around 3 to 5 marks. Questions commonly include short-answer questions about character traits (especially Olga's hidden kindness) and long-answer questions on how Lushkoff's life changed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who actually chopped the wood for Lushkoff at Sergei's house?
Although Sergei believed Lushkoff was doing all the hard work, it was actually Olga, the cook, who chopped the wood for him out of pity.
Why did Lushkoff lie when he begged on the streets?
Lushkoff lied because he was too weak and ashamed to tell the truth about his condition as a ruined drunkard, hoping to evoke sympathy and get more money from people.
What caused the real change in Lushkoff's heart?
It was not Sergei's physical labor assignments, but Olga's misery, her tearful scoldings, and the selfless work she did for him that shamed Lushkoff and changed his heart forever.
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