The Beggar by Anton Chekhov - Moments - Class 9 - NCERT - Q&A Solved

Summary of "The Beggar"

"The Beggar" by Anton Chekhov is a story about Lushkoff, a beggar who deceives people by lying about his circumstances to gain their sympathy and money. He tells Sergei, an advocate, that he was once a village schoolteacher and later a student, but Sergei recognizes him as a former singer dismissed for drunkenness. Sergei offers Lushkoff work chopping wood instead of giving him money.

Lushkoff reluctantly agrees, not out of willingness to work but out of pride and shame. Sergei's cook, Olga, does most of the wood chopping for him out of compassion. Over time, Sergei finds Lushkoff more work and eventually gets him a job copying documents. Two years later, Lushkoff meets Sergei again and reveals that he is now a notary, earning thirty-five roubles a month. He credits his transformation to Olga's kindness and Sergei's support, stating that Olga's actions inspired him to change his ways and stop drinking​.

Answers to Questions

1. Has Lushkoff become a beggar by circumstance or by choice?
   
   Lushkoff became a beggar by circumstance, as he lost his position as a singer in a Russian choir due to his alcoholism and had no other means to support himself​.
   

2. What reasons does he give to Sergei for his telling lies? Lushkoff admits to Sergei that he lies because he finds it impossible to survive by telling the truth, as no one would give him anything if he were honest about his past.

3. Is Lushkoff a willing worker? Why, then, does he agree to chop wood for Sergei?
   
   
   Lushkoff is not a willing worker. He agrees to chop wood out of pride and shame, feeling trapped by his own words and not wanting to admit his helplessness.

4. Sergei says, "I am happy that my words have taken effect." Why does he say so? Is he right in saying this?
   
   
   Sergei believes that his words have motivated Lushkoff to change his ways and stop drinking. While Sergei's encouragement helped, it was actually Olga's compassion and assistance that had the most significant impact on Lushkoff's transformation.

5. Lushkoff is earning thirty-five roubles a month. How is he obliged to Sergei for this?
   
   
   Lushkoff is obliged to Sergei for giving him a chance to work, which set him on the path to his current job as a notary. Sergei provided him with the initial opportunities to earn money and change his lifestyle.

6. During their conversation, Lushkoff reveals that Sergei’s cook, Olga, is responsible for the positive change in him. How has Olga saved Lushkoff?
   
   
   Olga saved Lushkoff by secretly chopping the wood for him and showing him kindness and compassion. Her noble deeds and words inspired him to stop drinking and change his life for the better.

 

A House is Not a Home by Zayn Gaudioso - Moments - Class 9 - NCERT - Q&A Solved

Summary

The story "A House is Not a Home" by Zayn Gaudioso describes the challenges of starting high school and dealing with the loss of his home in a fire. The author feels isolated and struggles to adjust to the new school environment. A fire breaks out at home, destroying most of their belongings and leaving Zayn and his mother temporarily homeless. The community, including his new schoolmates, rallies to support him, providing clothes and school supplies. This act of kindness helps Zayn make new friends and feel a sense of belonging. Eventually, his beloved cat, who went missing during the fire, is found and returned by a kind woman. This reunion symbolizes the beginning of Zayn's emotional recovery and reconnection with life.

Think About It

1. What does the author notice one Sunday afternoon? What is his mother’s reaction? What does she do?

   The author notices smoke coming into the room through the ceiling seams one Sunday afternoon. His mother reacts by running into the house twice: first to retrieve important documents and then to save pictures and letters of the author’s deceased father. She is eventually rescued by firefighters.

2. Why does he break down in tears after the fire?

   He breaks down in tears because the fire destroyed his home, and he couldn’t find his beloved cat. The combination of the new school, the fire, and the loss of his cat overwhelms him.

3. Why is the author deeply embarrassed the next day in school? Which words show his fear and insecurity?

   The author is deeply embarrassed because he has to go to school in borrowed clothes and without any of his books or homework. Words like "destined to be an outcast and a geek" and "I just wanted to curl up and die" show his fear and insecurity.

4. The cat and the author are very fond of each other. How has this been shown in the story? Where was the cat after the fire? Who brings it back and how?

   The cat always stayed close to the author, showing their strong bond. After the fire, the cat had run over a mile away. A kind woman found the cat and, after some effort, returned it to the author.

5. What actions of the schoolmates change the author’s understanding of life and people, and comfort him emotionally? How does his loneliness vanish and how does he start participating in life?

   The schoolmates take up a collection to buy him clothes and school supplies, showing their concern. This genuine act of kindness helps the author feel accepted and less lonely, allowing him to make new friends and start participating in life again.

6. What is the meaning of “My cat was back and so was I”? Had the author gone anywhere? Why does he say that he is also back?

   “My cat was back and so was I” means that with the return of his cat, the author feels emotionally restored. Although he hadn’t physically gone anywhere, the trauma had left him feeling lost and disconnected. The return of his cat signifies the end of his emotional turmoil and his reconnection with life.