NCERT Solutions Class 9 English Moments – Chapter 8 The Beggar guide students through a story about how encouragement and kindness can change a person’s life. Lushkoff, once a beggar who relied on lies to survive, is given a chance by Sergei. Instead of giving him money, Sergei provides small jobs. Though Lushkoff is weak and lazy at first, Olga’s care and support inspire him to change. Finally, Lushkoff becomes a successful and honest man, proving that no one is beyond improvement.
The NCERT Solutions explain the events of the story clearly and give direct answers in easy language. They help Class 9 students grasp the chapter’s theme of transformation and dignity. With these solutions, students can revise quickly and perform better in exams while also learning valuable life lessons.
Get the NCERT Solutions Class 9 English Chapter 8 The Beggar in PDF format for free. The following is how the tale of compassion and transformation in "The Beggar" plays out:
This Chapter "the Beggar" is a short story about Lushkoff, a beggar struggling with a drinking problem who fabricates stories to earn money. He runs into Sergei, a lawyer, who decides to give him a job chopping wood instead of just handing over money. Lushkoff isn't exactly thrilled or strong enough for the work, but Sergei's cook, Olga, is kind and quietly helps him change. Years later, Lushkoff, now a different person, says it was Olga's kindness, not Sergei's lectures, that got him back on his feet. The main point is that being kind and supportive is what really changes people, not just telling them what to do.
Important Points to Note
1. Has Lushkoff become a beggar by circumstances or by choice?
Ans. No, Lushkoff did not become a beggar by choice. He was the victim of circumstances. In fact, he was a singer in the Russian choir. This middle-aged man was a habitual drunkard. He was shunted out from his job due to his habit of getting drunk. His physical inability forced him to turn to begging.
2. What reasons does he give to Sergei for his telling lies?
Ans. Lushkoff admits that he has been telling lies everywhere. He says that he tells lies to get money. If he tells the truth that he was thrown out of job because of his drinking habits, nobody will give him money.
3. Is Lushkoff a willing worker? Why, does he agree to chop wood for Sergei?
Ans. No, Lushkoff is not a willing worker. He is physically weak. He can do nothing except begging. But he is trapped in his own words said to Sergei. He has to agree to chop wood for Sergei to save his face.
4. Sergei says, "I am happy my words have taken effect." Why does he say so? Is he right in saying this?
Ans. When Sergei shifted to another house, he hired Lushkoff to help in packing and hauling of the furniture. He paid him and remarked that he was happy he had learnt to earn through work. But Sergei was not right in his assessment. Lushkoff was still an idle person. In fact, he was too weak to do any work.
5. Lushkoff is earning thirty-five roubles a month. How is he obliged to Sergei for this? What value is displayed in the act of Lushkoff?
Ans. Lushkoff was only a beggar, telling lies to get money. Sergei scolded him for all this and offered him the work of chopping wood for him. He was unable to do physical labour due to his drinking habit. Sergei sent him to his friend with a letter to work as a copying clerk. Now Lushkoff had become a notary and was earning thirty-five roubles a month. He was obliged to Sergei for giving him an opportunity to lead an honest and self-respecting life. Lushkoff is grateful to Sergei for his help and guidance. Thus, gratitude and gratefulness are the values displayed by Lushkoff.
6. During their conversation Lushkoff reveals that Sergei's cook, Olga, is responsible for the positive change in him. How has Olga saved Lushkoff?
Ans. Olga knew that Lushkoff won't work. So she felt pity for him like a sincere mother and worked for him. She sat down opposite to him. She rebuked him when he didn't work. Very soon this changed his heart. And he started working. He stopped drinking and became a good man.
(Session 2025 - 26)