Chapter-10: The Beggar
Summary:The Beggar
Anton Chekhov’s short story, “The Beggar,” portrays a powerful narrative about redemption, kindness, and the transformative power of compassion. The protagonist, Lushkoff, is a mendicant who resorts to begging as a means of survival. The story highlights his encounter with Sergei, a wealthy advocate, and Olga, Sergei’s cook, who play pivotal roles in changing the course of his life.
The story begins with Lushkoff pleading for alms, claiming to be a former teacher who has fallen upon hard times. Sergei, seeing through his lies, confronts him about his dishonesty. Despite his anger, Sergei offers him an opportunity to earn money by chopping wood. Lushkoff reluctantly agrees, not because he is willing to work but because he has no other option.
The story then follows Lushkoff’s journey from a deceitful beggar to a respectable man. Sergei’s kindness, coupled with Olga’s silent support and hard work, creates an environment of care and accountability that influences Lushkoff to change his ways. By the end, Lushkoff is transformed into a sober and self-reliant individual.
Characters:The Beggar
1. Lushkoff:
- A beggar who initially survives through lies and manipulation.
- Represents moral degradation and the struggle for redemption.
- Transforms into a respectable individual through the kindness and efforts of others.
2. Sergei:
- A wealthy advocate who plays a key role in helping Lushkoff.
- Initially skeptical and stern, he represents the voice of reason and authority.
- Offers Lushkoff a chance to work and regain his dignity.
3. Olga:
- Sergei’s cook who is instrumental in Lushkoff’s transformation.
- Performs the actual work Lushkoff is assigned, showing silent compassion.
- Symbolizes selfless service and the quiet force of change.
Themes:The Beggar
1. Compassion and Kindness:
The story underscores the transformative power of compassion. Sergei’s decision to help Lushkoff instead of condemning him highlights the importance of understanding and empathy. Similarly, Olga’s silent support and her selfless actions demonstrate how small acts of kindness can lead to significant changes.
2. The Importance of Work and Dignity:
Through Lushkoff’s journey, the narrative emphasizes the value of hard work and self-respect. Sergei’s insistence on making Lushkoff work for money serves as a lesson in reclaiming one’s dignity through honest means.
3. Redemption and Transformation:
Lushkoff’s transformation from a deceitful beggar to a self-reliant man is central to the story. This change is brought about by the moral support and opportunities provided by Sergei and Olga.
4. Deception and Truth:
The story also touches upon the themes of deception and truth. Lushkoff’s lies about his past reveal the desperation of his situation. However, the truth of his transformation shows the power of sincerity and integrity.
Symbolism:The Beggar
1. The Axe and Wood:The Beggar
The act of chopping wood symbolizes honest labor and the effort required to rebuild one’s life. Though Lushkoff does not perform the labor himself, it serves as a turning point in his life.
2. Olga’s Role:
Olga symbolizes silent compassion and sacrifice. Her actions highlight the impact of unconditional kindness in fostering change.
3. The Coat:
Lushkoff’s shabby appearance represents his moral and physical decline. As he transforms, his improved appearance mirrors his inner change.
Important Incidents:The Beggar
1. Lushkoff’s First Encounter with Sergei:
When Sergei confronts Lushkoff about his lies, it marks the beginning of his journey toward transformation. Sergei’s decision to offer him work instead of dismissing him reflects a turning point.
2. Chopping Wood:
Although Lushkoff does not do the physical labor himself, the act of chopping wood becomes symbolic of his willingness to change. Olga’s silent assistance plays a crucial role here.
3. Lushkoff’s Transformation:
The story concludes with Lushkoff meeting Sergei again, now as a sober and respectable man. He expresses gratitude, attributing his transformation to Olga’s kindness and hard work.
Moral Lessons:The Beggar
1. The Power of Compassion:
Helping others, even when they seem undeserving, can lead to profound change. Sergei’s and Olga’s kindness transform Lushkoff’s life.
2. The Value of Honest Work:
The story emphasizes that dignity and self-worth come from honest labor.
3. Redemption is Possible:
No matter how far one has fallen, redemption and transformation are achievable with support and determination.
Literary Devices:
1. Irony:The Beggar
The irony lies in the fact that although Lushkoff’s initial work is performed by Olga, it is credited to him. This act, however, becomes the catalyst for his transformation.
2. Symbolism:
Objects and actions like the axe, wood, and coat are used to convey deeper meanings.
3. Characterization:
Chekhov’s portrayal of Lushkoff, Sergei, and Olga is realistic and relatable, making their actions and transformations credible.
4. Simple Language:
The story’s straightforward language ensures its message is accessible to a wide audience.
Analysis:The Beggar
Chekhov’s “The Beggar” is a masterful exploration of human frailty and resilience. Through Lushkoff’s character, Chekhov delves into the psyche of those who are marginalized and overlooked by society. The story’s strength lies in its subtle yet powerful portrayal of change and redemption.
The juxtaposition of Sergei’s stern kindness and Olga’s silent support creates a compelling narrative of how different forms of compassion can intersect to bring about meaningful change. While Sergei represents a direct approach to helping Lushkoff, Olga’s actions highlight the power of quiet, unconditional service.
The transformation of Lushkoff is not instantaneous; it is a gradual process influenced by the consistent efforts of others. This slow but steady change reflects the reality of personal growth and redemption. The story’s message is clear: everyone deserves a second chance, and with the right support, even the most downtrodden individuals can reclaim their dignity and purpose.
Conclusion:
Anton Chekhov’s “The Beggar” is a poignant tale that emphasizes the transformative power of kindness, the importance of honest work, and the possibility of redemption. Through the characters of Lushkoff, Sergei, and Olga, Chekhov weaves a narrative that inspires readers to reflect on their attitudes toward compassion and forgiveness. The story serves as a timeless reminder that even the smallest acts of kindness can have far-reaching consequences.
Question 1: Has Lushkoff become a beggar by circumstance or by choice?
Answer: Lushkoff became a beggar by circumstance. Formerly, he sang in a Russian choir, but was sent away for drunkenness. This led him to beg.
Question 2: What reasons does he give to Sergei for his telling lies?
Answer: He told Sergei that he could not get along without lying. If he told the truth, then nobody would give him anything.
Question 3: Is Lushkoff a willing worker? Why, then, does he agree to chop wood for Sergei?
Answer: No, Lushkoff was not a willing worker. In spite of that, he agreed to chop wood for Sergei because of pride and shame. He had been trapped by his own words. His strength had been lowered because of drinking. He was unhealthy and did not feel the slightest inclination to work.
Answer: Sergei said so because he gave Lushkoff a push towards the right path. He had caught his lie and had encouraged him to work. He gave him some work and paid him for it. He saw Lushkoff after two years and found out that he was a notary and was paid thirty five roubles a month. He considered his words as the source of Lushkoff’s changed ways. Yes, he was right in saying so. Otherwise Lushkoff would still have been lying and begging.
Question 5: Lushkoff is earning thirty five roubles a month. How is he obliged to Sergei for this?
Answer: Lushkoff was obliged to Sergei because if he had not come to Sergei, then he might still have been calling himself a teacher or a student. He would have been begging. By listening to Sergei, he had changed his ways. He was a notary and earned thirty five roubles a month.
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: During their conversation, Lushkoff revealed that Olga saved him. When he went to Sergei’s house to chop wood, Olga began by calling him a ‘miserable creature’ and saying that there was nothing for him but ruin. Then she sat down opposite him, grew sad, looked into his face, and wept. She called him an ‘unlucky man’, ‘a drunkard’, and ‘unhappy one’ and said that there was no pleasure for him in this world.
She suffered misery and shed many tears for his sake. Then Lushkoff told Sergei that the main thing was that it was Olga who chopped the wood for him. Lushkoff had not chopped one single stick of wood for Sergei. This was what saved him, changed him, and he had even stopped drinking at the sight of her. It was because of her words and noble deeds that a change took place in his heart. She had set him on the right path.
