CBSE Class 9 English (Moments) Important Questions Chapter 9 - The Beggar

1. What was the beggar asking for when he approached Sergei?
Ans. The beggar asked Sergei for money to travel to a new job because he hadn’t eaten in three days.

2. What did Sergei initially think about the beggar’s story?
Ans. Sergei thought the beggar was lying because he remembered meeting him before, when he said he was a student.

3. What did the beggar eventually admit about his past?
Ans. The beggar admitted that he was not a student or a schoolteacher but had been kicked out of a choir for drinking too much.

4. What kind of work did Sergei offer the beggar?
Ans. Sergei offered the beggar a job chopping wood for him.

5. How did the beggar feel about accepting the work at first?
Ans. The beggar seemed unsure and didn’t really want to work; he agreed more out of shame than excitement.

6. How did Sergei react to the beggar’s initial plea for help?
Ans. Sergei felt sorry for the beggar at first but got angry when he realised he was lying. He threatened to call the police because he was upset about the dishonesty.

7. What was the beggar's response when confronted by Sergei about his lies?
Ans. The beggar confessed that he was lying because he believed that telling the truth wouldn’t help him get anything. He said he had to lie to survive.

8. What was the condition of the beggar as he began to chop wood?
Ans. The beggar looked weak and unhealthy. He struggled to chop the wood and seemed to be lost in his thoughts.

9. What change did Sergei notice in himself after watching the beggar work?
Ans. Sergei began to feel sorry for the beggar and realised he might have been too harsh on him for asking him to work.

10. What did Sergei decide to do after the beggar managed to chop wood?
Ans. Sergei decided to pay the beggar half a rouble for his work and told him he could come back for more work in the future.

11. Discuss the transformation of Lushkoff throughout the story.
Ans. Lushkoff started as a desperate beggar who lied about his past. After Sergei offered him work, he began to change his attitude. Although he was reluctant at first, having a job gave him a sense of purpose. Over time, he became more responsible and serious about his life. Eventually, Lushkoff found a job as a notary, showing that Sergei’s kindness helped him turn his life around.

12. How did the cook, Olga, influence Lushkoff’s change?
Ans. Olga played a big role in Lushkoff’s transformation. Although she was tough on him, her care and concern really affected him. Her words made him think about his life choices and drinking. Even though she did all the work, her support motivated him to change for the better.

13. What emotions did Sergei experience when he first encountered the beggar?
Ans. Sergei felt a mix of anger and disgust at first when he thought the beggar was lying. He considered calling the police but later felt pity when he saw the beggar struggle. His feelings changed as he recognised the beggar's difficult situation.

14. What does Lushkoff's story suggest about the nature of honesty and deception?
Ans. Lushkoff’s story shows that people sometimes lie out of desperation. He felt he needed to lie to get help, as he thought the truth wouldn’t work. However, his eventual honesty led to a positive change in his life, proving that being truthful can be important.

15. Explain how the ending of the story highlights the theme of redemption.
Ans. At the end of the story, Lushkoff is a changed man, now working as a notary. His success shows that people can turn their lives around with the right support. Lushkoff's gratitude towards Sergei and Olga demonstrates that kindness can lead to a fresh start and a better future.

16. Why do you think Lushkoff initially preferred to lie about his identity? What does this reveal about societal attitudes towards the unemployed?
Ans. Lushkoff lied because he thought people wouldn’t help him if they knew the truth. This shows that society often judges unemployed people harshly, making them feel ashamed or desperate.

17. Reflect on the role of compassion in the story. How does the interaction between Sergei, Olga, and Lushkoff demonstrate its importance?
Ans. Compassion is important in the story because Sergei and Olga's kindness helps Lushkoff change his life. Their willingness to support him shows that caring for others can lead to positive changes and recovery.

18. In what ways does Lushkoff’s journey from beggar to notary serve as a commentary on societal values?
Ans. Lushkoff’s journey highlights that with kindness and support, people can change and improve their lives. It shows that society can help those in need if they are given a chance, emphasising the importance of compassion.

19. How does Chekhov’s portrayal of the characters challenge stereotypes about beggars and their choices?
Ans. Chekhov shows that Lushkoff is not just a lazy beggar but a man who has faced hard times. His lies come from desperation, not from a lack of will. This challenges the stereotype that all beggars are unworthy of help.

20. Discuss the significance of the title "The Beggar." What does it reveal about the themes of the story?
Ans. The title "The Beggar" highlights the struggles of those in need. It encourages readers to think about the complexities behind begging and how kindness can help people turn their lives around.

21. Create a diary entry from Lushkoff’s perspective reflecting on his time chopping wood and the emotions he felt during that period.
Ans. Dear Diary, today I started chopping wood for Sergei. At first, I felt embarrassed and didn’t really want to work. But as I kept going, I started to think about my life. Olga’s words made me realise how much I need to change. I was cold and tired, but it felt good to do something useful. Maybe I can turn my life around after all.

22. Write a letter to Sergei expressing gratitude for giving Lushkoff a chance to work and change his life.
Ans. Dear Sergei, I just wanted to thank you for giving me the chance to work. Your kindness changed my life, and I’m now working as a notary. I will always be grateful for your support and for believing in me. Thank you for showing me that I can do better.

23. Imagine you are Olga. Describe your thoughts and feelings as you interact with Lushkoff while he is chopping wood.
Ans. As I watched Lushkoff struggle to chop wood, I felt frustrated but also sad for him. I wanted to help him see the mistakes he made. It was tough to see someone so broken, yet I hoped my words would inspire him to change. I wanted him to know that he could do better.

24. Identify three key themes in "The Beggar" and explain how they relate to the characters’ experiences.
Ans. One theme is redemption, shown by Lushkoff’s journey from being a beggar to a notary. Another theme is compassion, highlighted by Sergei and Olga’s kindness, which helps Lushkoff change. The theme of honesty versus deception shows how Lushkoff’s lies were a way to survive, but he ultimately found success by being truthful.

25. Discuss the role of societal expectations in the story. How do they influence the characters’ actions and decisions?
Ans. Societal expectations make Lushkoff feel he must lie to get help, showing how society often judges people based on their situation. Sergei’s initial reaction to Lushkoff’s lies also highlights how people can be quick to judge those who are struggling. However, through kindness, Sergei and Olga show that people can change and deserve a chance.

Benefits of Important Questions PDF for Class 9 English (Moments) Chapter 9: The Beggar

• The PDF compiles key questions that are likely to appear in exams, helping students focus on the most relevant topics and themes.

• By practising these important questions, students can efficiently allocate their study time without having to sift through the entire textbook.

• The questions are curated based on past exam patterns and marking schemes, ensuring students are well-prepared for the type of questions they’ll encounter.

• It encourages a deeper grasp of the chapter’s concepts, themes, and moral lessons, enhancing analytical and critical thinking skills.

• Available in a downloadable PDF format, it allows students to access and revise the material anytime, anywhere, even offline.

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Conclusion:

"The Beggar," Lushkoff, a man who has fallen on hard times, meets Sergei, an advocate, who helps him see that he can change his life. At first, Lushkoff lies about his past and refuses to accept help. However, Sergei offers him work chopping wood, which Lushkoff reluctantly accepts. As time goes on, he begins to find his way again, eventually getting a proper job as a notary. Lushkoff learns that he can turn his life around with hard work and support. He especially credits Sergei's cook, Olga, for inspiring him to change. Her kindness and encouragement helped him realise that he could be better than the life he was living. Vedantu’s FREE PDF of Important Questions for the chapter helps ease the study process of students by offering questions and answers updated for the latest syllabus. Download the PDF today and walk into the exam hall with full confidence!

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