Class 9 English - TAMILNADU
Supplementary: The Beggar
Supplementary: The Beggar by Anton Chekhov is an inspiring Class 9 English chapter under the Tamil Nadu Samacheer Kalvi syllabus. It tells the story of Lushkoff, an impoverished drunkard beggar, and Sergei, a kind-hearted advocate. Through the strict intervention of Sergei's cook, Olga, who chops wood in place of the beggar while weeping for his misery, Lushkoff undergoes a profound moral transformation. The chapter highlights the power of empathy, hard work, and genuine compassion over mere pity. For board exams, questions often test character sketches, narrative sequencing, and the thematic importance of Olga's hidden kindness.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Sergei's Initial Deception
Sergei recognizes Lushkoff as the beggar who lied on Sadovaya Street, claiming to be a expelled student and a village school teacher to evoke pity.
Olga's Tough Love
Olga, the cook, scolds and berates Lushkoff constantly, yet secretly chops all the wood for him out of pity, stirring his conscience.
The Turning Point
Olga's genuine emotional outburst and hard work force Lushkoff to reflect on his degrading life choices, planting the seed for self-transformation.
Rehabilitation and Success
Motivated by the change within, Lushkoff stops drinking, takes up honest odd jobs, and eventually becomes a respected notary earning thirty-rubles a month.
The Climax and Revelation
Years later, Sergei encounters a well-dressed Lushkoff at a theatre ticket office, where Lushkoff reveals that it was Olga, not Sergei, who truly saved his life.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Tamil Nadu (Samacheer Kalvi) Class 9 English board examinations, supplementary chapters usually carry around 10-15 marks. Common question types include paragraph questions on character sketches (Sergei, Olga, or Lushkoff), multiple-choice questions, and questions based on narrative comprehension or identifying the speaker of a quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who actually reformed Lushkoff in 'The Beggar'?
Though Sergei gave him work, it was actually Olga, the cook, who transformed Lushkoff by chopping wood for him while crying and scolding him, which touched his soul.
Why did Lushkoff lie about being a student and teacher?
Lushkoff lied because he was ruined by alcoholism and found it difficult to get a job, so he begged to survive by playing on people's sympathy.
What was Lushkoff's profession at the end of the story?
At the end of the story, Lushkoff worked as a notary and earned a respectable salary of thirty-rubles a month.
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