THE BEGGAR - Q&A

THINK ABOUT IT

1. Has Lushkoff become a beggar by circumstance or by choice?
Answer:
Lushkoff has become a beggar largely by choice (due to his own habits).

Explanation: While he tells lies about being a fired schoolteacher or an expelled student to gain sympathy, he eventually admits the truth to Sergei. He was actually a singer in a Russian choir but was sent away because of his drunkenness. Therefore, his begging was a result of his addiction to alcohol rather than unavoidable unfortunate circumstances.

2. What reasons does he give to Sergei for his telling lies?
Answer:
Lushkoff tells Sergei that he must lie because no one would give him anything if he told the truth.

Explanation: He believes that if he admits he is a drunkard who lost his job due to his own fault, people will refuse to help him. Lying allows him to create a sympathetic story (like being a victim of intrigue) to get money from strangers.

3. Is Lushkoff a willing worker? Why, then, does he agree to chop wood for Sergei?
Answer:
No, Lushkoff is not a willing worker. He is weak from vodka consumption and feels unhealthy.

Why he agrees: He agrees to chop wood because of pride and shame, and because he had been "trapped by his own words."
Explanation: When Sergei challenged him to work instead of begging, Lushkoff claimed he would work but couldn't find any. When Sergei immediately offered him wood-chopping, Lushkoff could not refuse without looking like a liar or a hypocrite. He accepted the job to save face, not because he wanted to work.

4. Sergei says, "I am happy that my words have taken effect." Why does he say so? Is he right in saying this?
Answer:
Why he says so: Sergei says this because he sees that Lushkoff has stopped begging, is dressed decently, and is working as a notary. He believes his scolding and the wood-chopping job he provided were the reasons for Lushkoff's reformation.

Is he right? He is only partially right. While Sergei provided the opportunity, he is incorrect in thinking his "words" or the hard labour changed Lushkoff. As Lushkoff reveals later, it was actually the kindness and sacrifice of the cook, Olga, that truly changed him.

5. Lushkoff is earning thirty five roubles a month. How is he obliged to Sergei for this?
Answer:
Lushkoff is obliged to Sergei because Sergei paved the way for his career advancement.

Explanation:
1. Sergei first got him off the streets by offering him the wood-chopping job.
2. Later, seeing Lushkoff improve, Sergei sent him to a friend with a letter of recommendation for "cleaner employment" (copying work).
3. This opportunity allowed Lushkoff to move up and eventually become a notary earning 35 roubles. Thus, he owes his start to Sergei.

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 selfless kindness and empathy.

Steps of how she helped:
1. Physical Help: She realized Lushkoff was too weak to chop wood, so she chopped all the wood for him herself, allowing him to get paid by Sergei.
2. Emotional Impact: She would scold him ("You drunkard!"), but then she would weep for him and express deep sorrow for his unhappy life.
3. The Change: Seeing her distress and knowing she was working hard just to help him, Lushkoff felt ashamed of his behavior. Her actions triggered a change in his heart, leading him to stop drinking and start working.

TALK ABOUT IT

How can we help beggars/abolish begging?
Answer:
(This is a discussion-based question. Here are key points you can use):

1. Stop Direct Alms-Giving: Giving money directly often encourages begging or funds addictions (like Lushkoff's alcohol habit).
2. Provide Work Opportunities: Like Sergei, we can offer small jobs or refer them to places where they can work and earn dignity.
3. Rehabilitation Centers: The government and NGOs should set up shelters that provide food, medical help for addiction, and vocational training.
4. Education for Children: Child beggars should be rescued and put into schools so they do not grow up to be beggars.
5. Empathy (The Olga Approach): Treat them with humanity. sometimes, emotional support and genuine care can motivate a person to change their life more than money can.