The Beggar — Anton Chekhov: Summary, Glossary, Characters & Extracts
Short summary: Lushkoff, a drunk and dishonest beggar, lies to receive charity. Sergei, an advocate, sees through him but gives him work to reform him. Lushkoff pretends to work while Sergei’s cook, Olga, secretly does the tasks. Olga’s compassion, not Sergei’s lectures, stirs Lushkoff’s conscience. Over years, he reforms, stops drinking and becomes a notary — crediting Olga for his regeneration.
Theme & Core Message
Primary theme: Transformation through genuine kindness. The story shows that practical compassion and sacrifice can reform a person more effectively than moral lectures. Secondary themes include dignity of labour, hypocrisy versus honest service, and the moral power of quiet sacrifice.
How to use this post
Use this as a ready classroom resource — summary for quick revision, glossary for vocabulary help, characters for character-sketch answers and extracts with Q&A for test practice.
Hard words & meanings (Glossary)
Common difficult words from the lesson with simple meanings — useful for vocabulary & definitions.
| Word | Meaning (simple) |
|---|---|
| Mendicant | Beggar |
| Squalid | Dirty and unpleasant |
| Wretched | Miserable; in very bad condition |
| Feigning | Pretending |
| Gaunt | Very thin and hollow-looking |
| Drunkard | A person who drinks alcohol habitually |
| Repulsive | Disgusting; causing strong dislike |
| Indignation | Anger at something unfair |
| Impostor | Someone who pretends to be someone else |
| Idler | A lazy person who avoids work |
| Compassion | Feeling pity and wanting to help |
| Scold | To speak angrily to someone for a fault |
| Transformation | A complete change |
| Conscience | Inner sense of right and wrong |
| Notary | A legal official who certifies documents |
| Gratitude | Feeling of thankfulness |
| Waif | A poor, homeless, helpless person |
| Irresolutely | Hesitantly; without firmness |
| Billet | To lodge (a soldier) or an assigned lodging |
| Scarecrow | A stuffed figure placed in fields to scare birds |
Character-wise description
Lushkoff is the central character — a beggar and habitual drunk who relies on lies. At first he is weak-willed and dishonest, feigning past respectability to get sympathy. His moral collapse shows in his helplessness. However, Olga’s persistent compassion awakens his conscience and, after years of slow change, he becomes a responsible, respectable notary.
Key traits: dishonest → ashamed → reformed.
Sergei is practical, moralistic and believes in the power of work. He catches Lushkoff’s lies but chooses to give him work instead of mere alms. Although his discipline provides the opportunity, Sergei’s words alone fail to reform Lushkoff.
Key role: provides chance; catalyst but not reformer.
Olga is the story’s moral centre. She quietly does Lushkoff’s work, often scolding him yet showing deep compassion. Her tears, labour and sacrifice move Lushkoff more than any reprimand. Chekhov shows her as the true agent of moral regeneration.
Key role: compassionate reformer; symbol of selfless service.
Curated extracts with simple Q&A (for practice)
Tap each extract to reveal 10 simple questions and answers suitable for Class 9 tests.
Extract 1 — Lushkoff’s first appearance
“Lushkoff stood irresolutely at the doorway, holding the axe weakly in his trembling hands. Sergei watched him with impatience, convinced that the man had neither strength nor intention to work.”
1. Where was Lushkoff standing?
At the doorway.
2. What was he holding?
An axe.
3. How were his hands described?
Trembling and weak.
4. How did Sergei feel?
Impatient.
5. What did Sergei think about Lushkoff?
That he had neither strength nor intention to work.
6. What word describes Lushkoff’s manner at the doorway?
Irresolutely (hesitantly).
7. What reaction did the beggar’s appearance cause?
Impatience and doubt in Sergei.
8. Why might the axe be symbolic?
It symbolises honest labour which Lushkoff cannot perform at that time.
9. Which character is observing the scene?
Sergei.
10. What is the likely cause of Lushkoff’s weakness?
Alcoholism and poor health.
Extract 2 — Olga helps without words
“Olga came out of the kitchen, looked at the beggar’s helpless state, and took the axe from him without a word. She chopped the wood herself, striking each log with angry but pitying blows.”
1. Who came out of the kitchen?
Olga.
2. What did she take from Lushkoff?
The axe.
3. How did Olga cut the wood?
She chopped it herself with strong blows.
4. What two emotions were in her actions?
Anger and pity.
5. Why did she act without speaking?
Her actions showed that she preferred practical help to words.
6. What does this scene reveal about Olga?
She is hardworking and compassionate.
7. How did Lushkoff feel while Olga worked?
Ashamed and helpless.
8. Which theme is visible here?
Kindness in action; dignity of labour.
9. What does the axe symbolize now?
Both a test of strength and a symbol of honest work.
10. Who is the true labourer in the scene?
Olga.
Extract 3 — Olga scolds and cries
“She scolded him fiercely while chopping the wood. She complained that he had ruined his life with drink. Her voice shook with both anger and pity.”
1. What did Olga do while chopping wood?
She scolded him.
2. What had ruined his life, according to Olga?
Drink (alcohol).
3. What two emotions were heard in her voice?
Anger and pity.
4. Why did Olga feel both anger and pity?
Anger at his wasted life, pity for his misery.
5. How did Lushkoff react to the scolding?
He felt ashamed.
6. Does Olga merely punish him?
No — her scolding is mixed with compassion.
7. What is the educational value of her scolding?
It provokes conscience and shame necessary for change.
8. What tone does Chekhov use here?
A tone of moral urgency combined with tenderness.
9. What kind of help does Olga provide?
Practical help and emotional wake-up call.
10. How does this scene help Lushkoff later?
It begins the moral change that leads to his reformation.
Extract 4 — Months of visits
“Month after month, Lushkoff returned to Sergei’s house. He still did no real work, yet Olga continued to help him. Her efforts slowly softened his heart.”
1. How often did Lushkoff come?
Month after month.
2. Did he do the work properly?
No, he did not do real work.
3. Who kept helping him?
Olga.
4. What effect did her help have?
It softened his heart.
5. What does ‘softened his heart’ imply?
He became more feeling and ashamed of his ways.
6. How long did change take?
It took months and gradual effort.
7. What quality of Olga is shown here?
Patience and perseverance.
8. Is immediate change common in the story?
No — change is slow and steady.
9. What does this extract teach about reform?
Reform requires time and persistent care.
10. Who is the unseen mover of change?
Olga.
Extract 5 — He stopped drinking
“Lushkoff gradually stopped drinking. He found small jobs, saved money, and avoided old habits.”
1. What bad habit did Lushkoff stop?
Drinking alcohol.
2. What work pattern did he adopt?
He found small jobs and worked honestly.
3. What did he do with his earnings?
Saved money.
4. What did he avoid?
Old bad habits.
5. What does this show about his character?
He became disciplined and responsible.
6. Who influenced this change the most?
Olga’s compassion and example.
7. Was the change sudden?
No, it was gradual.
8. What is the result of saving money?
Financial independence and dignity.
9. Why are small jobs important here?
They build habits and responsibility.
10. What moral lesson is shown?
Small steady efforts lead to lasting change.
Extract 6 — Years later
“Years later Sergei met Lushkoff again; he looked like a different man. His clothes were neat, his eyes clear, and he spoke with confidence.”
1. When did Sergei meet Lushkoff again?
Years later.
2. How did Lushkoff look?
Different, neat clothes, clear eyes.
3. How did he speak?
With confidence.
4. What does this change indicate?
He was reformed and respectable now.
5. Was he still a beggar?
No.
6. What visual signs show transformation?
Neat clothes and clear eyes.
7. Who was likely responsible for this change?
Olga (primarily) and his own efforts.
8. How does Chekhov show progress?
Through visual and behavioural contrast.
9. What does confidence reveal?
Inner dignity and self-respect.
10. What theme is emphasised here?
Moral regeneration and dignity of labour.
Extract 7 — He becomes a notary
“I am now a notary,” Lushkoff said proudly. “I work honestly and respect myself.”
1. What is Lushkoff’s job now?
Notary.
2. How does he feel about his work?
Proud and honest.
3. What does this job represent?
Respectability and reform.
4. Did anyone help him achieve this?
Yes — Olga’s earlier help and his own efforts.
5. Why is this a powerful ending?
It shows full moral recovery.
6. What change does this mark?
From beggar to respectable worker.
7. What idea does Chekhov highlight here?
Kindness and effort can permanently change lives.
8. Is the transformation believable?
Yes — because it is gradual and motivated.
9. What will Lushkoff likely avoid now?
Old drunken habits.
10. How can students summarise this outcome?
Lushkoff reclaims self-respect by hard work and gratitude.
Extract 8 — Credit to Olga
“Do not thank me,” Sergei said softly. “It was Olga who saved you — her tears, not my words, reformed you.”
1. Who did Sergei credit for the change?
Olga.
2. What did he say reformed Lushkoff?
Olga’s tears and actions.
3. Whose words did not reform him?
Sergei’s words.
4. What does this reveal about action vs words?
Actions and compassion can have deeper impact than lectures.
5. Why is Olga called the saviour?
Her continuous sacrifice and compassion led to real change.
6. What literary device is used in “her tears”?
Symbolism — tears symbolize compassion and suffering.
7. Who speaks the line?
Sergei.
8. What moral lesson is emphasised?
Doers of kindness often bring real change.
9. How should students answer similar questions in exams?
Mention Olga’s actions and contrast them with Sergei’s words.
10. Which theme does this extract support?
Power of compassion over preaching.
Extract 9 — Silent sacrifice
“Her silent labour was the lesson that woke his conscience. Words could not reach him, but her suffering did.”
1. What woke his conscience?
Her silent labour.
2. Could words reach him?
No, words could not reach him.
3. What did her suffering do?
It moved him to change.
4. What is the emphasis here — words or actions?
Actions.
5. What kind of labour is described?
Silent, unseen, sacrificial labour.
6. What moral is taught?
Selfless action teaches more than preaching.
7. Who performed the labour?
Olga.
8. How should students relate this to the whole story?
It explains why Lushkoff reformed — because of Olga’s actions.
9. What does “silent” imply?
The actions were humble and without need for recognition.
10. Give a one-line moral based on this extract.
True kindness often works quietly and produces real change.
Extract 10 — Final gratitude
“Lushkoff thanked the people who had helped him; his deepest thankfulness was for Olga, whose pain had become his turning point.”
1. Whom did Lushkoff thank most?
Olga.
2. Why was Olga important?
Her pain and sacrifice turned his life around.
3. What kind of feeling did he have?
Deep thankfulness (gratitude).
4. Did he forget Sergei?
No, but he credited Olga more directly.
5. What does gratitude indicate about Lushkoff?
Recognition of debt and inner change.
6. How should students write this answer in exams?
Mention gratitude, explain Olga’s role, and give a line of support about transformation.
7. What does this show about human relationships?
Care and sacrifice can build lasting bonds and moral change.
8. Is gratitude a theme of the story?
Yes — gratitude completes the moral arc.
9. What lesson can classmates learn?
Small acts of kindness may have big outcomes.
10. Compose a one-line exam answer summarising this extract.
Lushkoff’s gratitude, especially towards Olga, shows that true change comes from compassionate action.
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