CBSE Class 9 English Moments Chapter 10: The Beggar NCERT Solutions

Reviewed by NCERT Help Editorial Team · Updated on 29 Jul 2026

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 9 PDF

This resource provides detailed NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Moments, Chapter 10, 'The Beggar'. The chapter explores themes of desperation, deception, and redemption through the characters of Lushkoff, a beggar, and Sergei, a young student. The solutions delve into Lushkoff's motivations for begging, his lies, and his eventual transformation. They also examine Sergei's role in this change and the unexpected contribution of Olga, the cook. These solutions offer clear explanations and step-by-step analyses to help students grasp the nuances of the story, character development, and underlying moral lessons. They are designed to aid students in understanding the text thoroughly and preparing effectively for their examinations by providing insightful answers to all chapter-related questions.

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Quick info

Board	CBSE
Class	Class 9
Subject	English Moments
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	Chapter 10

Chapter summary

NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Moments Chapter 10, 'The Beggar', cover the narrative of Lushkoff, a man driven to begging by circumstances and his own struggles with alcoholism. The solutions address his reasons for lying, his initial reluctance to work, and the pivotal role Sergei and Olga play in his rehabilitation. They analyze the motivations behind each character's actions and the eventual positive outcome, offering a comprehensive understanding of the story's plot and themes.

Learning outcomes

Understand the circumstances that lead individuals to beg.
Analyze the motivations behind deception and truth-telling.
Evaluate the impact of compassion and empathy on personal transformation.
Identify the role of different characters in bringing about change.
Interpret the themes of redemption and second chances in literature.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Character analysis of Lushkoff
Character analysis of Sergei
Character analysis of Olga
Themes of deception and truth
Themes of compassion and empathy
Themes of redemption and transformation
The impact of circumstances on individuals
Moral lessons in literature
Analysis of dialogue and character interaction
Understanding narrative structure

Important topics

Lushkoff's transformation
The role of Olga
Sergei's influence and realization
Motivations for begging and lying
Themes of compassion and redemption

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

Has Lushkoff become a beggar by circumstance or by choice?

Solution: Lushkoff became a beggar primarily due to circumstances rather than by deliberate choice. He was formerly a singer in a choir, but his struggles with alcohol abuse led to the loss of his job. After being released from a rehabilitation center, the social stigma associated with his past drinking habits made it extremely difficult for him to find legitimate employment. Faced with destitution and unable to secure work, he resorted to begging as a means of survival to meet his basic needs.

Question 2

What reasons does he give to Sergei for his telling lies?

Solution: Lushkoff explains to Sergei that he resorts to telling lies and fabricating stories when begging because he believes that people are more likely to offer alms if they hear a tale of woe. He implies that a straightforward, truthful account of his situation would likely not elicit the same level of sympathy or financial assistance. This strategy is common among some beggars who use dramatic narratives to appeal to the emotions of potential donors, sometimes even employing tactics taught by organized groups to evoke pity.

Question 3

Is Lushkoff a willing worker? Why, then, does he agree to chop wood for Sergei?

Solution: Initially, Lushkoff appears to be an unwilling worker, as he is physically weak due to malnutrition and alcoholism, and he knows he lacks the strength for manual labor. However, when Sergei confronts him about his lies and offers him the opportunity to chop wood, Lushkoff feels a sense of shame and remorse. His conscience is pricked by Sergei's directness and the exposure of his deceit. This internal conflict and the desire to redeem himself, even if he doubts his physical capacity, compel him to agree to chop wood.

Question 4

Sergei says, "I am happy that my words have taken effect." Why does he say so? Is he right in saying this?

Solution: Sergei says this because he believes that his advice and the opportunity he provided to Lushkoff have successfully helped the beggar to give up his life of begging and become financially independent. From Sergei's perspective, he is right because he sees the positive outcome – Lushkoff is no longer begging and has found a job. However, Sergei is unaware that it was not his words alone, but primarily Olga's compassionate actions of chopping the wood for Lushkoff, that truly enabled his change. Despite this misunderstanding, the end result is positive, aligning with the saying, "all is well that ends well."

Question 5

Lushkoff is earning thirty five roubles a month. How is he obliged to Sergei for this?

Solution: Lushkoff feels obliged to Sergei because their encounter was the catalyst for his significant life change. Had he not met Sergei, he would likely have continued his life of begging. Sergei's intervention, though perhaps not fully understood by him at the time, led Lushkoff to Olga, whose practical help and moral guidance were crucial. This experience gave Lushkoff the confidence and motivation to seek and secure a decent job, earning thirty-five roubles a month, a stark contrast to his previous state of destitution.

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?

Solution: Olga saved Lushkoff through her act of compassion and practical assistance, despite her initial harsh words. Recognizing that the weak and malnourished Lushkoff was incapable of chopping the wood, she took pity on him and chopped it herself in his place. This selfless act, combined with her moralizing, deeply impacted Lushkoff. It not only provided him with the money he needed but also instilled in him a sense of self-worth and the motivation to change his life. Without Olga's intervention, Lushkoff might not have received the necessary help or experienced the profound change of heart that led him away from begging.

Common mistakes

Confusing Lushkoff's initial lies with genuine inability to work.
Overlooking Olga's crucial role in Lushkoff's transformation.
Attributing Lushkoff's change solely to Sergei's words without considering Olga's actions.

Revision tips

Focus on the character arc of Lushkoff and the factors contributing to his change.
Analyze the interactions between Lushkoff, Sergei, and Olga to understand their roles.
Consider the moral and ethical questions raised by the story, such as the nature of charity and work.
Practice summarizing the plot and explaining the significance of key events.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What was Lushkoff's initial profession before he resorted to begging?

Q2. Why did Lushkoff initially give false reasons for his begging to Sergei?

Q3. What was Sergei's initial reaction to Lushkoff's plea for alms?

Q4. Who actually chopped the wood for Lushkoff when he was offered the job by Sergei?

Q5. What was the ultimate outcome for Lushkoff due to the encounter with Sergei and Olga?

Frequently asked questions

What is Chapter 10 of CBSE Class 9 English Moments about?

Chapter 10, 'The Beggar', is a story about a beggar named Lushkoff who is transformed by the kindness and actions of a young student, Sergei, and his cook, Olga, ultimately leading him to a better life.

Why did Lushkoff resort to begging?

Lushkoff became a beggar due to circumstances, including losing his job as a singer and struggling with alcoholism, which led to social stigma and difficulty finding employment.

How did Sergei help Lushkoff?

Sergei, initially suspicious, offered Lushkoff work instead of alms. Although Sergei believed his words were the catalyst, it was actually the actions of his cook, Olga, that truly helped Lushkoff.

What was Olga's role in Lushkoff's transformation?

Olga, despite her harsh words, took pity on Lushkoff and chopped the wood for him herself. Her act of compassion and her moral lessons deeply affected Lushkoff, motivating him to change.

What is the main message of 'The Beggar'?

The story highlights that true help often comes through compassion and action, not just pity or words. It also emphasizes the possibility of redemption and transformation for individuals facing difficult circumstances.

How can these NCERT Solutions help Class 9 students?

These solutions provide clear, detailed answers to all questions related to Chapter 10, helping students understand the plot, characters, themes, and moral lessons, which is crucial for exam preparation.

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