Class 9 English - WEST-BENGAL
Supplementary: The Beggar
Supplementary: The Beggar by Anton Chekhov is a touching story included in the Class 9 WBBSE English syllabus. It explores the themes of transformation, empathy, and the power of honest labour. The narrative follows Lushkoff, a habitual drunkard and beggar, whose life changes completely not through harsh scolding, but through the firm yet compassionate intervention of an advocate named Sergei and the silent, selfless acts of his cook, Olga. This chapter is very important for board exams as it tests students' understanding of character development, moral values, and narrative comprehension through both short and descriptive questions.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Character of Sergei
Sergei is a well-to-do advocate who initially seems harsh and self-righteous but ultimately proves to be a catalyst for positive change in Lushkoff's life.
Character of Olga
Olga is Sergei's cook who outwardly scolds and berates Lushkoff for his drinking, but secretly chops wood for him out of deep pity and emotional pain, driving his moral awakening.
Character of Lushkoff
Lushkoff is a weak, ruined man who is forced to change his lifestyle due to physical labour and emotional guilt, eventually becoming a respected notary.
The Power of Compassion and Labour
The chapter highlights how dignity of labour combined with genuine human sympathy can reform even the most broken individuals.
Irony in the Story
The central irony is that Sergei believes his scolding and physical tasks reformed the beggar, whereas it was actually Olga's hidden tears and selflessness that truly saved Lushkoff.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBSE) Class 9 English examinations, supplementary chapters like 'The Beggar' typically carry around 5 to 10 marks. Common question types include multiple-choice questions (MCQs), short-answer type questions (SAQs) testing specific plot details, and descriptive essay-type questions analyzing character motivations or the central theme.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who actually helped Lushkoff reform his life?
While Sergei provided the initial opportunity for work, it was actually Olga the cook whose kind heart, tears, and secret wood-chopping truly inspired Lushkoff to change.
Why did Lushkoff lie about being a school teacher and a student?
Lushkoff lied because he was too proud and ashamed of his miserable condition as a drunkard, hoping to evoke more sympathy and money from people by pretending to be educated.
What was Lushkoff's profession at the end of the story?
At the end of the story, Lushkoff became a notary, earning a respectable monthly salary of thirty-five rubles.
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