NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Chapter 18 – The Beggar

He wasn't a beggar by any stretch of the imagination. Circumstances force Lushkoff to become a beggar. Lushkoff was a Russian choir member who was in his forties. He used to sing in the choir and was a talented singer. In the church, the choir sings. Because of his alcoholism, he lost his work. He was unable to get work after leaving the recovery center due to the societal stigma of being an alcoholic. He had to resort to begging to make ends meet. Therefore, he chose to be a beggar because he disliked working hard at the time. 

Lushkoff admitted he was a liar and confessed the truth. He was a vocalist in the past. To gain the favour of people, he told lies. He claims that if he told the truth, no one would donate alms. No one would have assisted him if he had told the truth.  It's similar to how beggars dress and whine about being hungry for days. Criminal gangs keep armies of beggars in some of the larger towns. They apply the necessary cosmetic make-up and place beggars in high-traffic areas. They teach those beggars how to cry appropriately for people to feel pity for them. The gang lord receives a sizable commission from the day's booty after the day.  As a result, he chose to tell lies.

He wasn't a willing worker because he was too weak. He had lost his power and stamina as a result of his drinking habit, and he was also a middle-aged man. Lushkoff is sluggish because of malnutrition and alcoholism. He is well aware that he is unable to work. Because of his pride and shame, he consented to chop wood, and he was trapped by his own words. Sergei, on the other hand, feels ashamed after his falsehoods are discovered. His conscience forces him to agree to the woodchopping.

Sergei appeared pleased with the beggar's performance and smiled. When Lushkoff's duty of packing and transporting the furniture was completed, he was commended and given a rouble. But he was incorrect in his assessment since Lushkoff had not formed the habit of putting in long hours. He was still a sluggard. Sergei believes that because of his timely advice, Lushkoff will be able to stop begging and become financially self-sufficient. From his perspective, he is correct because he is unaware that Olga was the one who chopped wood for Lushkoff. Whatever the case may be, Lushkoff's life has returned to normal. “All's well that ends well,” as the phrase goes.

If Sergei Lushkoff had not appeared, he would have continued begging. It was thanks to Sergei that he was able to receive assistance from Olga. Lushkoff’s outlook on the future is altered as a result of the occurrence. He was previously unconvinced that he would be able to find work. His time with Sergei and Olga gives him a new sense of self-assurance, which aids him in landing a good job. 

Olga was a friendly and caring woman. She cared deeply about people. Olga feels sorry for Rushkoff. She became aware of Lushkoff's plight and made every effort to help him. She is well aware that such a frail man is incapable of chopping wood. She assisted him by chopping wood while he was away. She took care of his part since she wanted to transform him. She continued to criticize him in order to help him develop. Olga, no matter how nasty her comments were, had a helping mentality on the inside. Olga's act had a profound effect on Lushkoff's heart. Lushkoff would not have gotten the money he needed if Olga had not assisted him in chopping wood. He would not have had the opportunity to listen to Olga’s moral lesson. When he realized how she felt about him, his heart began to shift. As a result, Olga was the one who brought about the positive transformation in him. 

Begging is a problem that affects the entire planet. The number of beggars is steadily increasing. Beggars can be found in almost any public space. Some beggars have turned it into a business. It's turned into a major issue. Our culture and government must take the appropriate actions to address this issue. Education must be promoted throughout the world. Our government should enact severe anti-begging legislation. Beggars should be provided employment opportunities. They could be given financial assistance in order to start working. Beggars can be trained to work as skilled workers. The government should establish a beggar's home exclusively for crippled people. Begging is a poor habit that creates a roadblock to progress. As a result, begging and beggars should be discouraged.