Think about It
1. Has Lushkoff become a beggar by circumstance or by choice?
Answer: Lushkoff became a beggar by choice. He was formerly a singer in a Russian choir but was sent away for drunkenness. Instead of searching for another job, he decided to become a beggar. He pretended to be a poor student or teacher to get money from people. He was not forced by circumstances to beg; he chose it because he did not want to work hard[reference:0].
2. What reasons does he give Sergei for telling lies?
Answer: Lushkoff tells Sergei that he was sent away from the Russian choir because of his drinking. He tells lies because if he told the truth, no one would ever help him or give him money. He believes that people only give alms when they hear a pitiful story[reference:1].
3. Is Lushkoff a willing worker? Why, then, does he agree to chop wood for Sergei?
Answer: No, Lushkoff is not a willing worker. Alcohol had undermined his strength, and he had no inclination to work. He agrees to chop wood for Sergei not because he wants to work but because he is ashamed and trapped by his own words. He had claimed to be a poor student who could not find work, so he could not refuse when Sergei offered him a job[reference:2].
4. Sergei says, "I am happy that my words have taken effect." Why does he say so? Is he right in saying this?
Answer: Sergei says this because he believes that his words and his act of giving Lushkoff work were responsible for transforming him from a beggar into a notary. He thinks he has reformed Lushkoff. He is partly right, because Sergei gave him the initial push. However, he is not entirely right. Lushkoff himself reveals that the real reason for his transformation was Sergei's cook, Olga. She was the one who actually chopped the wood for him and her kindness and rebuke changed his heart[reference:3].
5. Lushkoff is earning thirty-five roubles a month. How is he obliged to Sergei for this?
Answer: Lushkoff is obliged to Sergei because if he had not met Sergei, he might still be a beggar telling the same old lies. Sergei helped him get out of the pit of begging by giving him work. This initial opportunity, though small, set him on the path to a respectable life[reference:4].
6. During their conversation, Lushkoff reveals that Sergei's cook, Olga, is responsible for the positive change in him. How has Olga saved Lushkoff?
Answer: Olga saved Lushkoff through her kindness and tough love. When Lushkoff was too weak and drunk to chop wood, Olga would chop the wood for him. She would also rebuke him for his drinking and his condition. Her pity and her stern words touched his heart. He felt ashamed and was inspired to change his life. He stopped drinking and eventually found respectable work as a notary[reference:5].
Talk about It
The beggar had many chances to reform earlier but he did not. Why did he reform only after coming into contact with Sergei and Olga?
Answer: The beggar had many chances to reform earlier, but he did not take them because he lacked the will and the motivation. He had become accustomed to a life of idleness and easy money. It was only when he met Sergei and Olga that he experienced genuine kindness and firmness. Sergei gave him work, and Olga, despite being a servant, showed him compassion by doing his work and also rebuking him for his bad habits. This combination of practical help and emotional support awakened his conscience. He realised the value of honest living and decided to change his life.
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