The Beggar

🌟 Welcome to "The Beggar"

In this story, we will explore the transformation of a beggar named Lushkoff. The story tells us about how a person can change when given the right opportunities and assistance. Written by Anton Chekhov, it raises questions about human dignity, charity, and the power of compassion.

Through this interactive lesson, we'll discover what truly induced Lushkoff to change his ways and how unexpected factors can play a significant role in personal transformation.

📝 Let's Begin

What induced the beggar, Lushkoff, to change his ways? Let's read and find out.

Before we start reading, let's think about what makes people change their ways and habits. Sometimes it's a person, sometimes it's an experience, and sometimes it's something completely unexpected.

Pre-Reading Activity: Changing Lives

Think about a time when someone helped you change for the better. What did they do? How did they help you?

Have you ever met someone who was not what they appeared to be at first? How did your perception of them change as you got to know them better?

❓ Reading Comprehension Questions

🔍 Vocabulary in Context

In the story, we see many descriptive words that help us understand the characters better.

For example, look at this phrase from the story: "The scarecrow of a beggar shrugged his shoulders, as if in perplexity..."

The word "perplexity" means a state of being puzzled or bewildered.

Match these words from the story with their meanings:

1. Calumny

2. Suppliant

3. Mendicant

4. Swindling

5. Irresolutely

📚 Direct and Indirect Speech

In 'The Beggar', there are many instances of both direct and indirect speech. Direct speech reports the exact words spoken, while indirect speech reports what was said without quoting exact words.

For example:

Direct: "Work — yes. I know that myself; but where can I find work?" said Lushkoff.

Indirect: Lushkoff said that he knew that himself, but asked where he could find work.

Convert the following direct speech from the story to indirect speech:

1. "This is dishonesty, my dear sir!" he cried angrily.

2. "I wouldn't refuse to do that, but in these days even skilled wood-cutters find themselves sitting without bread."

3. "Will you come and chop wood for me?"

4. "Yes sir, I will."

5. "Here, Olga, take this gentleman into the wood-shed and let him chop wood."