Hello friends! This chapter is a heart-touching story about how one person's kindness can change a lazy beggar's life forever. It's like a real-life lesson on helping others the right way – not with money, but with care and work. No magic or fights, just simple people and big changes. Let's break it down in easy words so you can get it quick and score well in tests!
About the Author
Anton Chekhov was a famous Russian writer born in 1860. He grew up in a small town and became a doctor first, but loved writing stories and plays. His tales are short and full of real feelings – like how people think and act in daily life. He wrote about kind hearts, funny moments, and sad truths. Some of his big works are plays like "The Cherry Orchard." He died in 1904, but his stories still teach us about life. This one, "The Beggar," shows his style – simple but deep!
What’s the Story About?
This is a sweet tale from Russia about a poor man who begs for money but learns to work and live better. It's not a long adventure – just everyday events that teach a big lesson. Let's go through it step by step in simple words, like telling a friend.
One cold day, a rich lawyer named Sergei sees a dirty beggar on the street. The beggar, called Lushkoff, cries out: "Help me, kind sir! I'm a poor teacher who lost my job. No food for three days!" Sergei looks closely and remembers – this same man begged before, saying he was a student! Sergei gets angry: "You liar! I'll call the police!"
Lushkoff gets scared and tells the truth: "I was in a singing group, but got kicked out for drinking too much alcohol. Now I beg and lie to get money." Sergei feels sorry but doesn't give cash. Instead, he says: "Come to my house. Chop wood for me – earn your food!" Lushkoff agrees, but he's weak and lazy from drinking.
At Sergei's home, the cook Olga takes Lushkoff to the backyard. She looks sad and says: "Chop this wood!" But Lushkoff is so bad at it – he can barely swing the axe. Olga gets mad, scolds him like a mom: "You lazy drunk! Why don't you change?" But secretly, Olga feels bad for him. She cries and does most of the chopping herself! Lushkoff just watches, but her words and tears touch his heart.
This happens many times. Sergei gives Lushkoff more jobs – like cleaning snow or packing boxes. Each time, Olga helps him quietly but keeps scolding. Slowly, Lushkoff stops drinking. He starts working better and feels proud. Sergei is happy: "See? Work is good for you!" He even helps Lushkoff get a desk job copying papers.
Two years later, Sergei meets Lushkoff again at a theater. Now, Lushkoff is clean and works as a notary (like a paper signer who earns 35 rupees a month). Sergei thinks: "I changed him with my help!" But Lushkoff says: "No, sir. It was Olga. Her kind words and tears made me quit bad habits. She saved me!"
The story ends showing how real kindness from the heart can fix a broken life.
In short: A liar beggar meets a strict but helpful man, but it's the cook's soft heart that truly turns him into a good worker. Like how your mom nags you to study, but it helps you grow!
Who’s Who in the Story
This story has just a few people – like a small family drama. No kings or heroes, just normal folks. Here's the easy list:
- Lushkoff (The Beggar): Main guy – a lazy, drunk man who begs and lies. He changes into a hardworking notary. (Like a lost friend who finds his way!)
- Sergei (The Advocate): Kind but strict lawyer. He gives work instead of money and thinks he fixed Lushkoff.
- Olga (The Cook): Sergei's helper in the kitchen. She's the real hero – scolds but helps secretly with tears and care. Her kindness changes everything.
- No bad people – Just life teaching lessons through these three!
Themes and Moral
Themes (Big Ideas – like hidden messages in the story):
- Kindness Changes Lives: Not money, but caring words and help make people better. Olga's tears work like magic.
- Work Over Begging: Earning your own food builds pride. Sergei shows that jobs fix laziness.
- Truth and Change: Lushkoff starts with lies but learns to be honest and strong. Anyone can improve!
- Hidden Help: Sometimes, the quiet person (like Olga) does the most good without showing off.
Moral (Main Lesson):
True help comes from the heart – give work and kindness, not just money, to make someone strong. Like planting a seed: Water it with care, and it grows into a tree. Try it in real life – help a friend study, and see the change!
Important Vocabulary and Phrases
Here are key words from the chapter – explained in super simple ways, like talking to your classmate. Use them in your answers to shine!
- Advocate – A lawyer who speaks in court.
Example: Sergei is an advocate who helps people with law. - Mendicant – A beggar who asks for money.
Example: The mendicant stood on the road with sad eyes. - Waif – A poor, homeless child (or someone lost and helpless).
Example: He looked like a waif with no home. - Chop – To cut wood with an axe.
Example: Chop the logs into small pieces for fire. - Notary – A person who checks and signs legal papers for money.
Example: Lushkoff became a notary with a good job. - Intoxicated – Drunk from too much alcohol.
Example: He was intoxicated and couldn’t walk straight. - Swear – To promise strongly, or to say bad words.
Example: “I swear I’ll never lie again!” - Intrigue – To make someone curious or interested.
Example: The story will intrigue you with its twist. - Feeble – Weak and without strength.
Example: His feeble hands couldn’t hold the axe. - Roaring Trade – Doing very good business.
Example: The shop had a roaring trade on festival day.
Tip: Read the story like a play – act out Olga scolding! It will help you remember. Share this guide with your group – let's all do great in English! 😊🛠️