Question 1. Has Lushkoff become a beggar by circumstance or by choice? Answer: Lushkoff has become a beggar by choice. Formerly, he used to sing in a Russian choir and was sent away for drunkenness. Instead of searching for another job, Lushkoff decided to become a beggar.
Question 2. What reasons does he give to Sergei for telling lies? Answer: Lushkoff says that he was sent away from the Russian choir because of him being an alcoholic. He tells lies because if he would tell this truth, no one would ever help him or give him money.
Question 3. Is Lushkoff a willing worker? Why, then, does he agree to chop wood for Sergei?Answer: No, he is not a willing worker. Alcohol has undermined his strength and he has no inclination towards doing any work. He agrees to chop wood for Sergei not because he was hungry or wanted to work but because he is ashamed and trapped by his own words.
Question 4.
Sergei says, “I am happy that my words have taken effect.” Why does he say so? Is he right in saying so?
Answer:
Sergei looked satisfied with the performance of the beggar and felt happy. When Lushkoff’s job of packing and hauling of the furniture was over, he praised him while handing him a rouble. But he was not right in saying so because Lushkoff had not developed the habit of working hard. He was still an idle fellow.
Question 5. Lushkoff is earning thirty five roubles a month. How is he obliged to Sergei for this? Answer: Lushkoff is earning thirty five roubles a month. He is obliged to Sergei because if he hadn’t come to Sergei then he still might have been a beggar telling the same old lies of being a teacher or a student. But, Sergie helped him get out of the pit by giving him work.
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:
Olga was a social and sympathetic lady. She loved humanity. She realised the condition of Lushkoff and tried her best to improve the same. She did the work of his part as she wanted to change him. She kept criticizing him in order to improve him. He realised her feelings towards him and a change took place in his heart. So, Olga was responsible for the positive change in him.
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