CBSE Class 9 English Chapter 10 The Beggar NCERT Solutions

Reviewed by NCERT Help Editorial Team · Updated on 29 Jul 2026

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 9 PDF

CBSE Class 9 English Chapter 10, 'The Beggar,' delves into the profound transformation of Lushkoff, a beggar, into a notary, guided by the actions of Sergei and Olga. This chapter explores the circumstances that led Lushkoff to his desperate situation, his initial resistance to honest work, and the pivotal role of compassion and kindness in his rehabilitation. The NCERT Solutions provide clear explanations of the characters' motivations, examining how Sergei's intervention and Olga's unwavering support, even through harsh words, ultimately led to Lushkoff's redemption. The solutions highlight the story's central themes of empathy, the power of a helping hand, and the possibility of change, offering students insightful analyses to deepen their understanding of the narrative and prepare thoroughly for their examinations.

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Board	CBSE
Class	Class 9
Subject	English
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	10. The Beggar

Chapter summary

NCERT Solutions for 'The Beggar' (Chapter 10) for Class 9 English focus on analyzing the narrative's central characters, Lushkoff and Sergei. The solutions address questions regarding Lushkoff's descent into begging, his motivations for lying, his initial unwillingness to work, and the pivotal role of Olga's compassion in his eventual reform. They explain how Sergei's intervention, though indirect, and Olga's empathetic actions led to Lushkoff's transformation and his ability to earn a respectable living.

Learning outcomes

Understand the circumstances and choices that lead to poverty and begging.
Analyze the character development of Lushkoff and Sergei.
Identify the role of compassion and empathy in transforming lives.
Explain the significance of Olga's actions in Lushkoff's rehabilitation.
Evaluate the impact of Sergei's intervention on Lushkoff's life.
Interpret the themes of redemption and self-respect in the story.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Character analysis of Lushkoff
Character analysis of Sergei
The role of Olga
Circumstances vs. Choice in poverty
Themes of redemption
Themes of compassion
Themes of self-respect
Transformation of characters
The impact of kind words and actions
Lying and its consequences
The nature of work and dignity

Important topics

Lushkoff's transformation and the role of Olga
Sergei's intervention and its impact
Themes of compassion and redemption
Analysis of Lushkoff's character arc
The significance of Olga's actions

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

Has Lushkoff become a beggar by circumstance or by choice?

Solution: Lushkoff became a beggar primarily by circumstance. He was formerly a choir singer in Russia but was dismissed due to his excessive drinking. This unfortunate turn of events led him to a state where begging seemed like the only option for survival, rather than a preferred lifestyle.

Question 2

What reasons does he give to Sergei for his telling lies?

Solution: Lushkoff explained to Sergei that he found it difficult to survive without resorting to lies. He believed that if he were to tell the truth about his situation, people would be less inclined to offer him any help or charity.

Question 3

Is Lushkoff a willing worker? Why, then, does he agree to chop wood for Sergei?

Solution: No, Lushkoff was not initially a willing worker. He agreed to chop wood for Sergei not out of a desire to work, but due to a sense of pride and shame. Having been caught in his lies, he felt trapped by his own words. Furthermore, his physical strength had been diminished by his drinking habits, making him unhealthy and disinclined towards labor.

Question 4

Sergei says, "I am happy that my words have taken effect." Why does he say so? Is he right in saying this?

Solution: Sergei expressed happiness because he believed his intervention had positively influenced Lushkoff's life. He had caught Lushkoff in a lie, encouraged him to work, and provided him with an opportunity. When Sergei encountered Lushkoff two years later, he learned that Lushkoff was now a notary earning thirty-five roubles a month. Sergei attributed this significant positive change to his own words and actions. Yes, Sergei was right in saying this, as without his intervention and Olga's compassion, Lushkoff might have continued his life of begging and deception.

Question 5

Lushkoff is earning thirty five roubles a month. How is he obliged to Sergei for this?

Solution: Lushkoff felt deeply obliged to Sergei because Sergei's intervention, even if initially based on catching a lie, set him on a path towards a better life. Lushkoff acknowledged that if he hadn't encountered Sergei, he might still be pretending to be a teacher or student and continuing to beg. By listening to Sergei and being influenced by his actions and Olga's compassion, Lushkoff was able to change his ways, stop drinking, and secure a respectable job as a notary earning 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?

Solution: Lushkoff revealed that Olga was the primary reason for his transformation. When he went to Sergei's house to chop wood, Olga initially berated him, calling him a 'miserable creature' and predicting ruin. However, she soon grew sad, looked at him with pity, and wept for his plight. She called him an 'unlucky man' and expressed sorrow for his suffering. Crucially, Olga ended up chopping the wood for him herself, as Lushkoff was too weak. This act of compassion, her tears, and her sympathetic words, rather than anger, touched Lushkoff deeply. He stated that it was Olga's noble actions and words that changed his heart, made him stop drinking, and set him on the right path, ultimately saving him from his life of begging.

Common mistakes

Confusing Lushkoff's initial state as a choice rather than a circumstance.
Underestimating the impact of Olga's emotional support compared to Sergei's practical help.
Failing to recognize the underlying shame and pride that motivates Lushkoff's actions.
Not fully appreciating how indirect kindness can lead to significant change.

Revision tips

Focus on the character arcs of Lushkoff and Sergei to understand their motivations.
Analyze Olga's role closely; her actions are crucial to Lushkoff's transformation.
Consider the difference between circumstance and choice in Lushkoff's begging.
Reflect on how small acts of kindness can have profound effects.
Practice explaining the story's themes of redemption and self-reliance.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What was Lushkoff's former profession before he became a beggar?

Q2. Why did Lushkoff tell lies to Sergei?

Q3. What was Sergei's initial reaction to Lushkoff's plea?

Q4. Who was primarily responsible for the positive change in Lushkoff, according to him?

Q5. What was Olga's reaction when Lushkoff came to chop wood?

Q6. How much was Lushkoff earning per month after his transformation?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main theme of the story 'The Beggar'?

The main themes of 'The Beggar' are compassion, redemption, and the transformative power of kindness. It shows how empathy and support can help individuals overcome difficult circumstances and change their lives for the better.

Why did Lushkoff become a beggar?

Lushkoff became a beggar due to circumstances. He was dismissed from his choir for drunkenness, which led him to beg to survive.

How did Sergei help Lushkoff?

Sergei helped Lushkoff indirectly. Initially, he offered him work chopping wood. Later, by encouraging him to take up honest work and by his words, he set Lushkoff on the path to reform.

What was Olga's role in Lushkoff's change?

Olga played a crucial role. Although she initially scolded Lushkoff, her pity, tears, and compassionate words deeply affected him, leading him to stop drinking and change his ways.

How can these NCERT Solutions help students?

These solutions provide clear, detailed answers to all questions in Chapter 10, 'The Beggar'. They help students understand character motivations, plot nuances, and thematic elements, aiding in exam preparation and comprehension.

Is Lushkoff a willing worker?

Initially, Lushkoff is not a willing worker. He agrees to chop wood for Sergei more out of shame and pride after being caught in a lie, and due to his weakened state from drinking.

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