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I. Chapter Summary:

The Beggar by Anton Chekhov is a powerful short story that highlights the themes of compassion, transformation, and the dignity of labor. The story revolves around a beggar named Lushkoff, a former notary who resorts to lying and begging to survive. He is given a second chance at life by a kind and determined man, Sergei, who offers him work instead of charity. Over time, with the silent support and selfless service of Olga, Sergei’s cook, Lushkoff transforms into a respectable man with a job. The story teaches that human kindness, combined with personal effort, can bring real change.

II. Key Concepts Covered:

Concept	Description
Human Dignity	Everyone deserves respect and the chance to improve their life.
Redemption	People can change for the better when given guidance and opportunities.
Compassion vs. Charity	True compassion encourages self-reliance rather than dependency.
Transformation through Labor	Work is portrayed as the path to regain self-respect.
Silent Sacrifice	Olga’s unspoken help is key to Lushkoff’s change, showing quiet heroism.

III. Important Questions:

(A) Multiple Choice Questions (1 Mark):

1. Who is the author of The Beggar?
   a) Leo Tolstoy
   b) Anton Chekhov ✅
   c) Charles Dickens
   d) Guy de Maupassant
2. What was Lushkoff’s previous profession?
   a) Cook
   b) Lawyer
   c) Notary ✅
   d) Clerk
3. Who actually chopped the wood for Lushkoff?
   a) Sergei
   b) Lushkoff
   c) Olga ✅
   d) A stranger
4. What is the real turning point in Lushkoff’s life?
   a) When Sergei scolds him
   b) When Olga silently helps him ✅
   c) When he becomes rich
   d) When he gets married

(B) Short Answer Questions (2/3 Marks):

1. Why did Lushkoff lie to Sergei in the beginning?
2. How did Sergei help Lushkoff regain his self-respect?
3. Why did Lushkoff say he was changed “not by kind words, but by deeds”?
4. Describe Olga’s role in the transformation of Lushkoff.
   – PYQ 2020

(C) Long Answer Questions (5 Marks):

1. Discuss how The Beggar is a story of transformation through compassion and hard work.
2. What does the character of Olga teach us about silent service and real kindness?
3. “Work brings dignity and change.” — Justify this statement with reference to Lushkoff’s journey.
4. Compare and contrast Sergei’s and Olga’s ways of helping Lushkoff. Who made the bigger impact, and why?
   – PYQ 2022

(D) HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills):

1. In today’s world, do people like Sergei and Olga exist? Share your views with examples.
2. If you were in Sergei’s place, would you have believed Lushkoff’s story? What would you have done differently?

IV. Key Formulas/Concepts:

Not applicable for literature chapters
 However, key literary elements include:

Element	Explanation
Character Development	Tracks Lushkoff’s change from a beggar to a respectable man.
Irony	Though Lushkoff is hired to chop wood, it’s Olga who does it for him.
Theme	Transformation, human dignity, compassion, and hard work.
Narrative Style	Third-person, with descriptive and reflective tone.

V. Deleted Portions (CBSE 2025–2026):

 No portions have been deleted from this chapter as per the rationalized NCERT textbooks.

VI. Chapter-Wise Marks Bifurcation (Estimated – CBSE 2025–2026):

Unit/Chapter	Estimated Marks	Type of Questions Typically Asked
Chapter 9: The Beggar	5–6 marks	1 Long Answer or 2 Short Answers + 1 MCQ or HOTS

VII. Previous Year Questions (PYQs):

Year	Marks	Question
2020	3	Why did Lushkoff thank Olga and not Sergei for his transformation?
2022	5	“The real change in Lushkoff came through silent service.” Discuss with reference to the story.

VIII. Real-World Application Examples to Connect with Topics:

Scenario	Application
Social Rehabilitation	Programs that help beggars, addicts, and the homeless find dignity through skill development.
NGOs and Outreach	People like Sergei work in NGOs to uplift others by teaching life skills.
Volunteerism	Everyday heroes like Olga perform unrecognized acts of service that change lives.
Career Mentorship	Lushkoff’s transformation mirrors how mentors can help reshape someone’s future.

IX. Student Tips & Strategies for Success:

 Time Management:

• Allocate 15–20 mins per chapter: 5 mins for summary, 10 mins for answer practice, 5 mins for value-based learning.

 Exam Preparation:

• Focus on character sketches and theme-based questions.
• Practice answer writing with quotes or key phrases from the story.
• Revise PYQs and relate to modern-day values.

 Stress Management:

• Reflect on how small acts of kindness can reduce stress—for you and others.
• Use diary entries from Lushkoff’s perspective as a creative and calming revision method.

X. Career Guidance & Exploration:

For Classes 9–10:

Stream	Career Paths
Humanities	Social Worker, Counselor, Writer, Journalist
Commerce	NGO Manager, HR Manager
Science	Psychologist, Behavioral Therapist

• Relevant Exams/Competitions:
  • NTSE
  • Essay Writing Competitions on Kindness & Social Work
  • CBSE Reading Challenge
  • English Olympiad

XI. Important Notes:

•  Refer to NCERT-approved books and latest CBSE sample papers only.
•  This story emphasizes real transformation through deeds, not words—apply this to life and studies.
•  Build connections with real-life stories of transformation for deeper understanding.
•  Don’t just memorize—internalize the message for essay, diary entry, or speech tasks.