Moments – The Beggar Test 01
CBSE Class 9 English | Story Comprehension Questions & Solutions
Questions
- How did Sergei come to remember that he had met the beggar before?
- How did Sergei react when the beggar lied about his identity?
- What kind of work was given to Lushkoff initially? Why did he agree to do it?
- Why did Lushkoff become embarrassed when he came to assist Sergei move to another house?
- Has Lushkoff become a beggar by circumstance or by choice?
- Draw the character sketch of Sergei.
- How did Olga change Lushkoff?
Solutions
- The beggar’s face looked familiar to Sergei. When he saw the beggar’s overshoes, one of which was high and the other low, he suddenly remembered seeing him day before yesterday at Sadovaya Street.
- Sergei became very angry when the beggar told his false identity. He removed his torn clothes with expressions of rage and scolded him for being a liar and a fraud. He even threatened to call the police.
- Lushkoff was given the work of chopping wood. He agreed to do this work not because he was hungry or needed it, but because of pride and shame, and because he had been trapped by his own words.
- Lushkoff became embarrassed when assisting Sergei move to another house because he could not help in any way. He walked behind the wagons, hanging his head and shivering in the cold, while other carters mocked his idleness and tattered coat.
- Lushkoff became a beggar not by choice but by circumstance. He was a middle-aged man and belonged to the Russian choir but was sacked for drinking habits. Alcoholism weakened him, making hard work difficult, so he became a beggar to survive.
- Sergei is an accomplished and prosperous advocate with a keen eye. He is stern, straightforward, short-tempered, and hates lies. He reprimands Lushkoff mercilessly for swindling and believes in hard work. He supports and provides work for Lushkoff to help him reform. He is also kind, eventually considering Lushkoff as his godson and is genuinely happy to see him reformed.
- Olga transformed Lushkoff by taking pity on him and helping chop the wood he could not handle. Her kindness made him stop drinking and earn his living through work. Through Olga’s support and compassion, Lushkoff reformed and became self-reliant.