Class 9 English - PUNJAB
Supplementary: The Beggar
Supplementary chapter 'The Beggar' by Anton Chekhov in the Class 9 Punjab (PSEB) English curriculum tells the transformative story of Lushkoff, a lazy drunkard beggar, and Olga, a compassionate cook. Through tough love and physical labor chopping wood, Lushkoff's life is entirely changed. This chapter is very important for board exams because it teaches students valuable lessons about kindness, empathy, and the power of hard work to reform individuals. Board exams frequently test comprehension of character sketches, the turning point in the story, and the central theme of moral redemption.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Lushkoff's Deception
Lushkoff is a weak, former village schoolteacher who lies to get money for alcohol, claiming he has lost his position.
Skvortsov's Intervention
The advocate Skvortsov catches Lushkoff in his lies and offers him real work instead of charity to make him self-reliant.
Olga's Cruel Compassion
Skvortsov's cook Olga initially scolds and abuses Lushkoff, but secretly chops the wood for him, which melts his heart and brings about an emotional transformation.
The Power of Labor
Physical work helps Lushkoff stop drinking and gradually restores his dignity, eventually leading him to become a notary.
Moral Transformation
The story highlights how genuine care and an opportunity to work can reform a degraded soul better than pity or punishment.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Punjab (PSEB) Class 9 English board exams, this chapter typically carries around 3 to 5 marks. Common question types include short answer questions about characters (Olga, Lushkoff, Skvortsov), long answer questions focusing on the central theme or the turning point in Lushkoff's life, and value-based questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Lushkoff lie about being a village schoolteacher?
Lushkoff lied because he had lost his job due to his drinking habit and needed money for alcohol, finding it easier to beg by telling false stories than to work.
Who actually saved Lushkoff, Skvortsov or Olga?
Olga actually saved Lushkoff. Although Skvortsov gave him the job, it was Olga's harsh words combined with her secretly chopping the wood for him and shedding tears that pricked his conscience and changed him.
What was Lushkoff's profession at the end of the story?
At the end of the story, Lushkoff became a notary, earning thirty-five roubles a month, and had completely given up drinking.
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