Summary

The Beggar by Anton Chekhov is the story of Lushkoff, a poor alcoholic beggar who struggles to survive by begging on the streets. One day, he approaches Sergei, a wealthy advocate, asking for work. Lushkoff is dressed in ragged clothes and tells Sergei different stories about his past. At first, he claims to have been a schoolteacher who lost his job due to a conspiracy, but Sergei recalls that Lushkoff had previously said he was a student who had been expelled. The beggar finally admits that he used to sing in a Russian choir and was fired for his drinking habits.

Sergei, moved by his plight, decides to help Lushkoff. He offers him work chopping wood at his house. Despite Lushkoff’s poor health due to alcoholism, he agrees to do the job. After an hour, Sergei finds that Lushkoff has chopped all the wood, and he pays him half a rouble. Sergei continues to give him work, and Lushkoff, now sober and respectful, performs his duties well. Sergei eventually offers Lushkoff cleaner work and a letter for copy work. However, Lushkoff doesn’t return after completing the task.

Two years later, Sergei sees Lushkoff at the theater, looking well-groomed and sophisticated. Lushkoff reveals that he is now working as a notary and earns thirty-five roubles a month. Sergei is pleased to see his transformation and is proud of helping him change. Lushkoff, in turn, thanks Sergei for his kindness and adds that he is more grateful to Olga, Sergei’s cook. He reveals that Olga, who had originally been tasked with the wood-chopping, had secretly done the work for him and given him the money. Olga’s compassion, advice, and encouragement helped Lushkoff abandon his alcoholism, change his life, and become a responsible person.

The Beggar teaches the importance of hard work, dedication, and the impact of kindness. The story emphasizes that with determination and the right guidance, a person can change their life for the better. It also highlights the role of compassion and support from others in helping someone overcome personal challenges and find success.