Question 1.
Has Lushkoff become a beggar by circumstance or by choice?
Answer:
Lushkoff was a middle-aged man and belonged to the Russian choir. He was not a bom beggar. He was sacked from the choir because of his drinking habits. He became a beggar by choice as he did not like to work hard at that stage.
Question 2.
What reasons does he give to Sergei for his telling lies?
Answer:
Lushkoff told the truth and accepted that he was a liar. Formerly he used to be a singer. He told lies to seek the favour of others. If he had spoken the truth none would have helped him. So, he decided to tell lies.
Question 3.
Is Lushkoff a willing worker? Why, then, does he agree to chop wood for Sergei?
Answer:
No, he was not a willing worker. He was too weak to work. He had lost his strength and stamina due to his habit of drinking and secondly he was a middle aged man. He agreed to chop wood because of pride and shame and he had been trapped by his own words. So he had no other way but to accept Sergei’s offer.
Question 4.
Sergei says, “I am happy that my words have taken effect.” Why does he say so? Is he right in saying so?
Answer:
Sergei looked satisfied with the performance of the beggar and felt happy. When Lushkoff’s job of packing and hauling of the furniture was over, he praised him while handing him a rouble. But he was not right in saying so because Lushkoff had not developed the habit of working hard. He was still an idle fellow.
Question 5.
Lushkoff is earning thirty five roubles a month. How is he obliged to Sergei for this?
Answer:
Sergei played very important role in improving the condition of the beggar. It was because of Sergei that Lushkoff could earn thirty five roubles a month. He offered him the job to chop wood at his home. Later on he sent him to one of his friends to do the job of copying. Lushkoff was highly obliged to Sergei because now he was a notary because of him.
Question 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 was a social and sympathetic lady. She loved humanity. She realised the condition of Lushkoff and tried her best to improve the same. She did the work of his part as she wanted to change him. She kept criticizing him in order to improve him. He realised her feelings towards him and a change took place in his heart. So, Olga was responsible for the positive change in him.
Talk about it
(Page 68)
Question 1.
How can we help beggars/abolish begging?
Answer:
The whole world is facing the nuisance of begging. The number of beggars is increasing day by day. Beggars can be seen at all public places. Some of the beggars have made it a business. It has become a serious problem. Our society and the government should take necessary steps to solve this problem. Global spread of education is required. Our government should pass strict laws against begging. Beggars should be given an opportunity to work. Financial support can be provided to them in order to set up some work. Beggars may be turned into skilled labourers. The government should set up beggar’s home only for the handicapped. Begging is a bad practice and is an impediment in the way of progress. So, we should discourage begging and beggars.