CBSE ENGLISH LANGUAGE LITERATURE

Detailed explanation-1: -INTRODUCTION OF THE BEGGAR This is the story of Lushkoff, a beggar. He earns a little by telling lies and thus evoking sympathy in his listeners. One day he comes across Sergei, who does not give him alms but offers to give him work. Lushkoff is weak and unwilling to do the laborious job of chopping wood.

Detailed explanation-2: -Answer: Sergei offered Lushkoff to chop wood for him and earn money instead of telling lies and begging. Sergei made this offer because he believed that people could be reformed by hard work and not by giving sympathy or alms.

Detailed explanation-3: -Lushkoff has become a beggar by choice. Formerly he had sung in a Russian choir but due to drunkenness he was sent away. After that he resorted to begging as it was the easiest way for him to earn money and fool those who would be sympathetic towards his sad stories.

Detailed explanation-4: -Value Points Sergei helped Lushkoff when he was sure that the beggar would chop wood for him. He believed that honest labour has the power to reform Lushkoff. Olga, the cook, had a different opinion in this regard. She helped Lushkoff without making any demands.