CBSE Class 9 English Chapter 9 The Beggar Notes

Introduction

Class 9 English Chapter 9 The Beggar Notes are here to help you score better in your board exam. This story is from your NCERT book called Moments. It is written by Anton Chekhov, a famous Russian writer.

The story is about a beggar named Lushkov. He tells lies to get money. But a kind lawyer and a cook named Olga change his life forever. This is a beautiful story about kindness and second chances.

These notes cover everything you need. You will find the full summary, character analysis, important questions, MCQs, and PYQs. All notes are based on the latest NCERT textbook and CBSE syllabus 2025-26. They are 100% free.

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Table of Contents

1. Chapter Overview
2. About the Author
3. Key Characters
4. Full Summary — Class 9 English Chapter 9 The Beggar
5. Themes of the Story
6. Key Terms and Definitions
7. Important Questions and Answers
8. MCQs — The Beggar Class 9
9. Quick Revision Points
10. Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
11. Featured Snippet Answer
12. People Also Ask
13. FAQs
14. Conclusion
15. Related Chapters

Chapter Overview

Here is a quick look at this chapter before you start reading.

About the Author

Anton Chekhov was born in 1860 in Russia. He studied medicine but became a famous writer. He wrote nearly 800 short stories in his life. His most famous plays are The Seagull, Uncle Vanya, and The Cherry Orchard.

Chekhov is known for simple but powerful stories. He wrote about real people and real problems. The Beggar was written in 1887. It shows his skill in telling stories about change and human nature. He is considered a pioneer of the modern short story.

Key Characters

This story has three main characters. Each one is important for the story’s message.

Remember this! Olga is the real hero of the story. She never shouts. She just shows love. And that changes Lushkov forever.

Full Summary — Class 9 English Chapter 9 The Beggar

The story of Class 9 English Chapter 9 The Beggar begins on a street. A poor man named Lushkov asks lawyer Skvortsov for help.

Lushkov Tells a Lie

Lushkov says he is a schoolteacher. He says he lost his job because someone lied about him. But Skvortsov has seen this man before. He remembers Lushkov told a different story earlier. That time, Lushkov said he was a student thrown out of college.

Skvortsov calls him a liar. He is very angry. He says he will call the police.

Lushkov Admits the Truth

Lushkov admits he was lying. He says he was part of a Russian choir. He lost that job because he drank too much. He tells Skvortsov that nobody gives money to a man who tells the truth about being a drunk.

Skvortsov is not fully angry now. But he does not give money. Instead, he asks Lushkov to chop wood for him. He calls his cook Olga and tells her to show Lushkov the woodshed.

Lushkov Cannot Work

Lushkov goes to the shed. He is so weak from drinking that he cannot chop wood properly. But here is the secret — Olga chops the wood for him. She does not tell anyone. She just quietly does his work. But while working, she scolds him for drinking. She cries for his poor condition. She tells him that a man should not live like this.

Lushkov Gets Money and a New Start

After the work is done, Skvortsov gives Lushkov half a rouble. He asks him to come every month. Lushkov keeps coming. He chops wood — actually, Olga keeps doing it for him.

One day, Skvortsov gives Lushkov a letter. He tells him to go to a friend who needs a copying clerk. He asks Lushkov to stop drinking and start working honestly. Lushkov takes the letter and leaves.

Two Years Later — A Gentleman

Two years pass. Skvortsov is at a theatre. He sees a man buying a ticket. That man is Lushkov! But now Lushkov is dressed well. He earns 35 roubles a month as a notary clerk.

Skvortsov is very happy. He says he helped Lushkov change his life. But Lushkov corrects him. He says it was Olga who really saved him. She used to cry for him. She chopped wood so he would not look useless. Her love and concern made him want to change. And he did.

Themes of the Story

This story explores some very important ideas. Let us look at each theme.

Theme 1: Kindness and Compassion

Olga did not scold Lushkov away. She helped him silently. She cried for him. Her compassion was the seed that changed him. True kindness does not ask for anything back.

Theme 2: Redemption

Redemption means getting a second chance. Lushkov was a liar and a drunk. But he got a second chance. He worked hard. He changed. He became a gentleman. The story shows that any person can change if given the right support.

Theme 3: Deception vs Honesty

Lushkov lied because he thought the truth would not help him. But Skvortsov taught him that lying is worse. This theme shows us the price of dishonesty.

Theme 4: The Power of Silent Love

Olga never gave a speech. She just showed love through action. This is the most powerful message of the story. Actions speak louder than words.

Key Terms and Definitions

Here are important words from this chapter. Learn them well. They help in exams!

Important Questions and Answers

These questions are based on the NCERT textbook and CBSE 2025-26 syllabus.

2-Mark Questions

Q1. Who was Lushkov? What did he tell the lawyer?

Lushkov was a poor beggar who drank too much. He told lawyer Skvortsov that he was a dismissed schoolteacher. But Skvortsov found out that Lushkov was lying. He had told a different story before.

Q2. Why did Lushkov confess the truth?

Lushkov confessed when Skvortsov threatened to call the police. He admitted he sang in a choir. He lost his job because he drank too much alcohol.

Q3. What work did Skvortsov give Lushkov?

Skvortsov asked Lushkov to chop wood in the shed. His cook Olga was asked to supervise him. Lushkov was given half a rouble after the work.

Q4. Who chopped the wood in reality?

Olga, the cook, chopped the wood for Lushkov. Lushkov was too weak from drinking. He could not do the work. Olga helped him quietly.

Q5. Where did Skvortsov meet Lushkov after two years?

Skvortsov met Lushkov at a theatre. Lushkov was buying a ticket. He was now well dressed. He worked as a notary clerk and earned 35 roubles every month.

5-Mark Questions

Q6. How did Olga help Lushkov change his life? Explain with examples.

Olga was Skvortsov’s cook. She was strict but had a very kind heart. When Lushkov came to chop wood, he was too weak to do it. Olga silently chopped the wood for him every time. But she also scolded him for drinking. She cried for his sad condition. Her tears and concern made Lushkov feel guilty. He began to feel that he must change. He stopped drinking. He worked hard. Two years later, he met Skvortsov again as a gentleman. He thanked Olga as his real saviour. Her silent love changed him more than any words could.

Q7. What is the moral of The Beggar? Do you think Skvortsov or Olga is the real hero?

The moral of The Beggar is that true kindness and compassion can change a person. Both Skvortsov and Olga played important roles. Skvortsov gave Lushkov a chance to work. He taught him that lying is wrong. But Olga is the real hero. She did Lushkov’s work for him silently. She cried for him. She showed him love without expecting anything in return. Her small acts of kindness had a bigger impact than Skvortsov’s lessons. The story teaches us that love and compassion are more powerful than punishment.

Q8. Describe the character of Lushkov in The Beggar.

Lushkov is the central character of the story. He is a poor man who drinks too much. He is dishonest and tells different lies to different people to get money. He told one person he was a student and another he was a teacher. When caught, he admits the truth. As the story moves forward, Lushkov changes. Olga’s kindness and tears touch his heart. He stops drinking. He finds work as a copying clerk. Two years later, he is a well-dressed notary clerk. Lushkov’s journey from a lying beggar to an honest gentleman shows that change is always possible.

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MCQs — The Beggar Class 9

These MCQs are very useful for the CBSE 2025-26 board exam. Try them!

1. Who wrote the story The Beggar?

• a) Leo Tolstoy
• b) Anton Chekhov ✅
• c) Oscar Wilde
• d) Rabindranath Tagore

2. What was Lushkov’s first lie to Skvortsov?

• a) He was a soldier
• b) He was a dismissed student
• c) He was a dismissed schoolteacher ✅
• d) He was a doctor

3. What did Skvortsov ask Lushkov to do?

• a) Cook food
• b) Wash clothes
• c) Chop wood ✅
• d) Clean the house

4. Who actually chopped the wood?

• a) Lushkov
• b) Skvortsov
• c) Olga ✅
• d) A neighbour

5. Why could Lushkov not chop wood?

• a) He had no axe
• b) He was too old
• c) He was sick
• d) He was weak from drinking ✅

6. How much did Skvortsov give Lushkov after the first day of work?

• a) One rouble
• b) Half a rouble ✅
• c) Two roubles
• d) Nothing

7. Where did Skvortsov meet Lushkov after two years?

• a) A market
• b) A hospital
• c) A theatre ✅
• d) A railway station

8. How much did Lushkov earn as a notary clerk?

• a) 25 roubles
• b) 30 roubles
• c) 35 roubles ✅
• d) 40 roubles

9. What really changed Lushkov’s life?

• a) Skvortsov’s scolding
• b) Going to jail
• c) Olga’s kindness and tears ✅
• d) Finding a new job

10. What is the main theme of The Beggar?

• a) Anger and revenge
• b) Kindness and redemption ✅
• c) War and peace
• d) Love and loss

Quick Revision Points

Remember these 15 key points before your exam. Easy!

• The Beggar is from NCERT Class 9 English book Moments, Chapter 9
• Written by Anton Chekhov, a famous Russian writer
• Story written in 1887
• Three main characters: Lushkov (beggar), Skvortsov (lawyer), Olga (cook)
• Lushkov lies about his identity to get money
• He first claims to be a dismissed schoolteacher
• Earlier he told the same lawyer he was an expelled student
• Skvortsov catches him lying and threatens to call police
• Lushkov admits he sang in a choir but lost his job due to drinking
• Skvortsov gives him wood-chopping work instead of money
• Olga secretly chops the wood because Lushkov is too weak
• Olga scolds him for drinking and cries for his condition
• Two years later, Lushkov is a notary clerk earning 35 roubles/month
• Lushkov says Olga is his true saviour — not Skvortsov
• The moral: True kindness and compassion can transform a person

Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

These questions have appeared in CBSE board exams before. Must revise!

Featured Snippet Answer Block

What is The Beggar — Class 9 English Chapter 9?

The Beggar is a short story by Anton Chekhov in NCERT Class 9 English Moments Chapter 9. It tells the story of a poor man named Lushkov who lies to get money. A lawyer gives him a chance to work. His cook Olga shows him kindness. This changes his life. He becomes an honest gentleman.

People Also Ask

Q1: What is the summary of The Beggar Class 9?

The Beggar is a story about a poor man named Lushkov. He lies to lawyer Skvortsov to get money. Skvortsov catches his lie. Instead of giving money, he gives Lushkov a chance to work. His cook Olga shows silent kindness. She chops wood for Lushkov and cries for him. This moves Lushkov’s heart. He stops drinking and becomes a respected gentleman.

Q2: Who is the real hero of The Beggar — Skvortsov or Olga?

Olga is the real hero of The Beggar. Skvortsov gave Lushkov a chance to work. But it was Olga who actually changed his heart. She did his work silently. She cried for his poor condition. Her compassion made Lushkov want to become a better person. Lushkov himself says Olga is the one who truly saved him.

Q3: What is the moral of The Beggar story in Class 9 English?

The moral of The Beggar is that kindness and compassion can change any person. Olga did not scold or punish Lushkov. She showed silent love. She helped him without asking for anything. Her tears and concern turned a liar and drunk into an honest gentleman. True kindness is more powerful than punishment or harsh words.

Q4: Who is Lushkov in The Beggar Class 9?

Lushkov is the main character of the story The Beggar. He is a poor man who drinks too much and begs on the streets. He lies about his identity to get money from people. But after meeting lawyer Skvortsov and cook Olga, he changes. He stops drinking, finds honest work, and becomes a notary clerk earning 35 roubles a month.

Q5: How did Olga help Lushkov change his life?

Olga was Skvortsov’s cook. When Lushkov came to chop wood, he was too weak. Olga quietly did the work for him. But she scolded him for drinking and wept over his sad condition. Her tears touched Lushkov deeply. He felt ashamed of his life. Her silent love and concern made him stop drinking. He found honest work and changed into a gentleman.

FAQs

Q1. Which book is The Beggar from in Class 9 English?

The Beggar is from the NCERT book Moments (Supplementary Reader) for Class 9 English. It is Chapter 9 of the book. This story is written by the famous Russian author Anton Chekhov. It is an important chapter for the CBSE board exam 2025-26 and often appears in question papers.

Q2. Why did Lushkov lie to Skvortsov?

Lushkov lied because he thought no one would give money to a man who was a drunkard. He made up stories to earn sympathy. He told Skvortsov he was a dismissed schoolteacher. But Skvortsov had heard a different story from him before. He caught Lushkov lying and this was the turning point of the story.

Q3. What did Skvortsov do when he found out Lushkov was lying?

Skvortsov was very angry at first. He called Lushkov a liar and threatened to call the police. But when Lushkov admitted the truth, Skvortsov showed mercy. He did not give money but offered Lushkov a chance to earn through honest work — chopping wood. This shows that Skvortsov believed in giving people a second chance.

Q4. What job did Lushkov get at the end of the story?

At the end of the story, Lushkov worked as a notary clerk. When Skvortsov met him at the theatre two years later, Lushkov was well-dressed and earned 35 roubles per month. He had completely changed from a lying, drunk beggar to a respectable working man. He thanked both Skvortsov and Olga for the change.

Q5. Is The Beggar an important chapter for Class 9 CBSE exam 2025-26?

Yes, The Beggar is a very important chapter for CBSE Class 9 English exam 2025-26. It regularly appears in board exams with 3-mark and 5-mark questions. Questions on character analysis, moral of the story, Olga’s role, and Lushkov’s transformation are very common. These NCERT notes cover all possible exam questions from this chapter.

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Conclusion

The Beggar by Anton Chekhov is a beautiful story about change and hope. It shows that every person can become better. All they need is a little kindness. Olga’s silent love changed Lushkov more than any punishment could. Skvortsov gave him a chance. But Olga gave him a reason to live better.

These Class 9 English Chapter 9 The Beggar Notes have covered everything you need for your CBSE 2025-26 exam. From the summary to MCQs to PYQs — it is all here. Read them well. Share them with your friends. You got this!

Related Chapters — Class 9 English Moments

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Author Bio

This article is written by the Nextoper Editorial Team. We provide free CBSE study notes for Class 9 to 12 students. All our notes are based on the latest NCERT syllabus 2025-26.

This blog was last reviewed and updated in June 2025 to match the latest NCERT and CBSE guidelines for the 2025-26 academic session.