B.
The Text
Part
I
"Kind
sir, have pity, turn your attention to a poor, hungry man! For three
days I have had nothing to eat; I haven't five copecks for a lodging. I swear
it before God. For eight years I was a village school teacher, and then I lost
my place through intrigues. It is a year now since I have had anything to
do."
The
advocate, Sergei, looked at the ragged, fawn-coloured overcoat of the
suppliant, at his dull, drunken eyes, at the red spot on either cheek, and it
seemed to him as if he had seen this man somewhere before.
"I
have now had an offer of a position in the province of Kaluga," the
mendicant went on. "But I haven't the money to get there. Help me kindly;
I am ashamed to ask, but I am obliged to by circumstances."
Sergei's
eyes fell on the man's overshoes, one of which was high and the other low, and
he suddenly remembered something.
"Look
here, it seems to me I met you the day before yesterday in Sadovya
Street," he said. "But you told me then that you were a student who
had been expelled, and not a village school teacher. Do you remember?"
"N-no,
that can't be so," mumbled the beggar, taken aback. "I am a village
school teacher, and if you like I can show you my papers."
"Have
done with lying! You called yourself a student and even told me that you had
been expelled from school. Don't you remember?"
Sergei
flushed and turned from the ragged creature with an expression of disgust.
"This
is dishonesty, my dear sir," he cried angrily. "This is swindling—I
shall send the police for you. Damn you!"
"Sir!"
He said, laying his hand on his heart, "the fact is I was lying! I am
neither a student nor a school teacher. All that was fiction. Formerly I sang
in a Russian choir and was sent away for drunkenness. But what else can I do? I
can't get along without lying. No one will give me anything when I tell the
truth. What can I do?"
"What
can you do? You ask what you can do?" cried Sergei, coming close to him.
"Work! That's what you can do! You must work!"
"What—yes.
I know that myself, but where can I find work?"
"How
would you like to chop wood for me?"
"I
wouldn't refuse to do that, but in these days even skilled wood-cutters find
themselves sitting without bread."
"Will
you come and chop wood for me?"
"Yes,
sir, I will."
"Very
well, we'll soon find out."
Part
II
Sergei
hastened along, rubbing his hands. He called his cook out of the kitchen.
"Here,
Olga," he said, "take this gentleman into the woodshed and let him
chop wood."
The
scarecrow of a beggar shrugged his shoulders, as if in perplexity, and went
irresolutely after the cook. It was obvious from his gait that he had not
consented to go and chop wood because he was hungry and wanted work, but simply
from pride and shame and because he had been trapped by his own words. It was
obvious, too, that his strength had been undermined by vodka and that he was
unhealthy and did not feel the slightest inclination for toil.
Sergei
hurried into the dining room. From its windows one could see the woodshed and
everything that went on in the yard. Standing at the window, Sergei saw the
cook and the beggar come out into the yard by the back door and make their way
across the dirty snow to the shed. Olga glared wrathfully at her companion,
shoved him aside with her elbow, unlocked the shed, and angrily banged the
door.
Next
he saw the pseudo-teacher seat himself on a log and become lost in
thought with his red cheeks resting on his fists. The woman flung down an axe
at his feet, spat angrily, and, judging from the expression of her lips,
began to scold him. The beggar irresolutely pulled a billet of wood towards
him, set it up between his feet, and tapped it feebly with the axe. The billet
wavered and fell down. The beggar again pulled it to him, blew on his
freezing hands, and tapped it with his axe cautiously, as if afraid of hitting
his overshoe or of cutting his finger; the stick of wood again fell to the
ground.
Sergei's
anger had vanished, and he now began to feel a little sorry and ashamed of
himself for having set a spoiled, drunken, perhaps sick man to work at menial
labour in the cold.
An
hour later Olga came in and announced that the wood had all been chopped.
"Good!
Give him half a rouble," said Sergei. "If he wants to, he can come
back and cut wood on the first day of each month. We can always find work for
him."
On
the first of the month the waif made his appearance and again earned half a
rouble, although he could barely stand on his legs. From that day on he often
appeared in the yard, and every time work was found for him. Now he would
shovel snow, now put the woodshed in order, now beat the dust out of rugs and
mattresses. Every time he received from twenty to forty copecks, and once, even
a pair of old trousers was sent out to him.
When
Sergei moved into another house, he hired him to help in the packing and
hauling of the furniture. This time the waif was sober, gloomy, and silent. He
hardly touched the furniture, and walked behind the wagons, hanging his head,
not even making a pretence of appearing busy. He only shivered in
the cold and became embarrassed when the carters jeered at him for his
idleness, his feebleness, and his tattered, his tattered, fancy overcoat. After
the moving was over, Sergei sent for him.
"Well,
I am happy that my words have taken effect," he said, handing him a
rouble. "Here's for your pains. I see you are sober and have no objection
to work. What is your name?"
"Lushkoff."
"Well,
Lushkoff, I can now offer you some other, cleaner employment. Can you
write?"
"I
can."
"Then
take this letter to a friend of mine tomorrow, and you will be given some
copying to do. Work hard, don't drink, and remember what I have said to you.
Goodbye!"
Pleased
at having put a man on the right path, Sergei tapped Lushkoff
kindly on the shoulder and even gave him his hand at parting. Lushkoff took the
letter, and from that day forth came no more to the yard for work.
Part
III
Two
years went by. Then one evening, as Sergei was standing at the ticket window of
a theatre paying for his seat, he noticed a little man beside him with a coat
collar of curly fur and a worn sealskin cap. This little individual timidly
asked the ticket seller for a seat in the gallery and paid for it in copper
coins.
"Lushkoff,
is that you?" cried Sergei, recognizing in the little man his former
wood-chopper. "How are you? What are you doing? How is everything with
you?"
"All
right. I am a notary now and am paid thirty-five roubles a month."
"Thank
Heaven! That's fine! I am delighted for your sake. I am very, very glad,
Lushkoff. You see, you are my godson, in a sense. I gave you a push along the
right path, you know. Do you remember what a roasting I gave you? I nearly had
you sinking into the ground at my feet that day. Thank you, old man, for not
forgetting my words."
"Thank
you, too," said Lushkoff. "If I hadn't come to you then, I might
still have been calling myself a teacher or a student to this day. Yes, by flying
to your protection, I dragged myself out of a pit."
"I
am very glad, indeed."
"Thank
you for your kind words and deeds. I am very grateful to you and to your cook.
God bless that good and noble woman! You spoke finely then, and I shall be
indebted to you to my dying day, but, strictly speaking, it was your cook,
Olga, who saved me."
"How
is that?"
"When
I used to come to your house to chop wood, she used to begin, 'Oh, you sot,
you! Oh, you miserable creature! There's nothing for you but ruin!' And then
she would sit down opposite me and grow sad, look into my face and weep. 'Oh,
you unlucky man! There is no pleasure for you in this world and there will be
none in the world to come. You drunkard! You will burn in hell. Oh, you unlucky
man! Oh, you unhappy one!' And so she would carry on, you know, in that strain.
I can't tell you how much misery she suffered. How many tears she shed for my
sake! But the chief thing was—she used to chop the wood for me. Do you know,
sir, that I did not chop one single stick of wood for you? She did it all. Why
this saved me, why I changed, why I stopped drinking at the sight of her, I cannot
explain. I only know that, owing to her words and noble deeds, a change took
place in my heart. She set me right, and I shall never forget it. However, it
is time to go now; there goes the bell." Lushkoff bowed and departed to
the gallery.
Anton
Chekhov
THE
BEGGAR
By
Anton Chekhov
PART
I
“Kind sir, have pity, turn your attention to poor, hungry man! …………… ‘Yes sir,
I will.’ Very well; we’ll soon find out.”
Glossary/ A list of
difficult words and their meanings/ କଠିନ ଓ ସେମାନଙ୍କର ଅର୍ଥର ତାଲିକା
Kind (କାଇଣ୍ଡ) : Friendly, benevolent; କୃପାଳୁ, ଦୟାଳୁ
Pity (ପିଟି) :
Sympathy for someone in distress; ଦୟା, କରୁଣା
Turn one's attention to (ଟର୍ନ ୱାନ୍ସ ଆଟେନ୍ସନ୍ ଟୁ) : Pay attention to; ଧ୍ୟାନ ଦେବା
Copeck (କୋପେକ୍) : A small
Russian coin; ରୁଷିଆର ଏକ ଛୋଟ ମୁଦ୍ରା
Lodging (ଲଜିଙ୍ଗ୍) : A place
to stay; ରହିବା ସ୍ଥାନ
Swear (ସ୍ୱେଅର୍) : Make a
solemn promise; ଶପଥ କରିବା
Intrigue (ଇଣ୍ଟ୍ରିଗ୍) : A
secret scheme or plot; ଗୁପ୍ତ ଷଡ଼ଯନ୍ତ୍ର
Fawn-coloured (ଫନ୍-କଲର୍ଡ୍) : Light yellowish-brown in colour; ହାଲୁକା ହଳଦିଆ-ବାଦାମୀ ରଙ୍ଗର
Suppliant (ସପ୍ଲାଇଆଣ୍ଟ୍) : A
person who humbly begs or pleads; ବିନତିକାରୀ, ଯାଚକ
Ragged (ରାଗିଡ୍) : Torn
and untidy; ଚିରାଫଟା ଓ ଅବ୍ୟବସ୍ଥିତ
Dull (ଡଲ୍) : Lacking
brightness or liveliness; ନିଷ୍ପ୍ରଭ, ମ୍ଲାନ
Mendicant (ମେଣ୍ଡିକାଣ୍ଟ୍) : A
beggar; ଭିକାରୀ, ଯାଚକ
Province (ପ୍ରଭିନ୍ସ୍) : A
principal administrative region; ପ୍ରଦେଶ
Circumstances (ସର୍କମ୍ଷ୍ଟାନ୍ସିଜ୍) : Conditions or facts affecting a situation; ପରିସ୍ଥିତି
Overshoes (ଓଭର୍ଶୁଜ୍) : Shoes
worn over ordinary shoes for protection; ଜୋତା ଉପରେ ପିନ୍ଧାଯାଉଥିବା ସୁରକ୍ଷାତ୍ମକ ଜୋତା
Expelled (ଏକ୍ସପେଲ୍ଡ୍) : Forced
to leave a school or institution; ବହିଷ୍କୃତ
Taken aback (ଟେକନ୍ ଅବ୍ୟାକ୍) : Suddenly surprised or shocked; ହଠାତ୍ ଆଶ୍ଚର୍ଯ୍ୟଚକିତ ବା ବିସ୍ମିତ
Papers (ପେପର୍ଜ୍) :
Official documents or certificates; ସରକାରୀ/ଆଧିକାରିକ କାଗଜପତ୍ର ବା ପ୍ରମାଣପତ୍ର
Have done with (ହାଭ୍ ଡନ୍ ୱିଦ୍) : Stop or put an end to; ବନ୍ଦ କରିଦେବା
Flush (ଫ୍ଲଶ୍) : Become
red in the face; ମୁହଁ ଲାଲ୍ ହୋଇଯିବା
Disgust (ଡିସଗଷ୍ଟ୍) : Strong
feeling of dislike; ଘୃଣା, ବିତୃଷ୍ଣା
Swindling (ସ୍ୱିଣ୍ଡଲିଙ୍ଗ୍) :
Cheating or obtaining something dishonestly; ପ୍ରତାରଣା, ଠକେଇ
Damn you (ଡ୍ୟାମ୍ ୟୁ) : An angry expression of condemnation; କ୍ରୋଧ ପ୍ରକାଶ କରୁଥିବା ଗାଳିସୂଚକ ଉକ୍ତି
Lay one's hand on one's heart (ଲେ ୱାନ୍ସ୍ ହ୍ୟାଣ୍ଡ୍ ଅନ୍ ୱାନ୍ସ୍ ହାର୍ଟ୍) : Make a sincere or solemn statement; ଆନ୍ତରିକତାର ସହିତ ଶପଥପୂର୍ବକ କହିବା
Fiction (ଫିକ୍ସନ୍) :
Something invented or imaginary; କଳ୍ପିତ କଥା, ମିଥ୍ୟା କଥା
Formerly (ଫର୍ମର୍ଲି) : In the
past; ପୂର୍ବରୁ
Choir (କ୍ୱାୟର୍) : A group
of singers; ଗାୟକଦଳ
Drunkenness (ଡ୍ରଙ୍କେନ୍ନେସ୍) : The
state of being drunk; ମତ୍ତତା, ମଦ୍ୟପାନଜନିତ ଅବସ୍ଥା
Get along (ଗେଟ୍ ଅଲଙ୍ଗ୍) : Manage or live successfully; ଚଳିବା, ଜୀବନଯାପନ କରିବା
Objection (ଅବ୍ଜେକ୍ସନ୍) : A
feeling or statement of opposition; ଆପତ୍ତି
Skilled (ସ୍କିଲ୍ଡ୍) : Having
ability or expertise; ଦକ୍ଷ
Wood-cutter (ଉଡ୍-କଟର୍) : A person who cuts wood; କାଠ କାଟୁଥିବା ବ୍ୟକ୍ତି
Chop wood (ଚପ୍ ଉଡ୍) : Cut wood into pieces; କାଠ କାଟିବା
Sitting without bread (ସିଟିଙ୍ଗ୍ ୱିଦାଉଟ୍ ବ୍ରେଡ୍) : Being without work or means of earning; କାମ ବିନା ଜୀବିକାହୀନ ଅବସ୍ଥା
Paragraph 1
English Summary:
A ragged beggar approaches Sergei, an advocate, and begs for help. He claims
that he has been hungry for three days and has no money even for lodging. He
says that he was once a village school teacher for eight years but lost his job
because of intrigues. He has been without work for a year.
ଓଡ଼ିଆ ସାରାଂଶ:
ଜଣେ ଜରାଜୀର୍ଣ୍ଣ ଭିକାରୀ ସେର୍ଜେଇ ନାମକ ଜଣେ ଓକିଲଙ୍କ ପାଖକୁ ଆସି ସାହାଯ୍ୟ ମାଗେ। ସେ କହେ ଯେ ତିନି ଦିନ ଧରି ସେ ଭୋକିଲା ଅଛି ଏବଂ ରହିବା ପାଇଁ ମଧ୍ୟ ତା’ ପାଖରେ ଟଙ୍କା ନାହିଁ। ସେ ଦାବି କରେ ଯେ ସେ ଆଠ ବର୍ଷ ଧରି ଜଣେ ଗ୍ରାମ ବିଦ୍ୟାଳୟର ଶିକ୍ଷକ ଥିଲା, କିନ୍ତୁ ଷଡ଼ଯନ୍ତ୍ର ଯୋଗୁଁ ଚାକିରି ହରାଇଥିଲା। ଗତ ଏକ ବର୍ଷ ଧରି ସେ କୌଣସି କାମ ବିନା ରହିଛି।
Paragraph 2
English Summary:
Sergei observes the beggar carefully and feels that he has seen him somewhere
before. The beggar then says that he has been offered a position in the
province of Kaluga but has no money to travel there. He requests Sergei to help
him.
ଓଡ଼ିଆ ସାରାଂଶ:
ସେର୍ଜେଇ ଭିକାରୀଟିକୁ ଭଲଭାବେ ଦେଖି ତାକୁ ପୂର୍ବରୁ କେଉଁଠି ଦେଖିଥିବା ପରି ଅନୁଭବ କରେ। ଭିକାରୀଟି କହେ ଯେ କାଲୁଗା ପ୍ରଦେଶରେ ତାକୁ ଏକ ଚାକିରି ମିଳିଛି, କିନ୍ତୁ ସେଠାକୁ ଯିବା ପାଇଁ ତା’ ପାଖରେ ଟଙ୍କା ନାହିଁ। ତେଣୁ ସେ ସେର୍ଜେଇଙ୍କୁ ସାହାଯ୍ୟ କରିବାକୁ ଅନୁରୋଧ କରେ।
Paragraph 3
English Summary:
When Sergei notices the beggar's mismatched overshoes, he suddenly remembers
meeting him two days earlier. At that time, the man had claimed to be an
expelled student, not a village school teacher.
ଓଡ଼ିଆ ସାରାଂଶ:
ସେର୍ଜେଇ ଭିକାରୀର ଅସମାନ ଓଭର୍ଶୁଜ୍ ଦେଖି ହଠାତ୍ ମନେ ପକାଇଥାଏ ଯେ ସେ ତାକୁ ଦୁଇ ଦିନ ପୂର୍ବରୁ ଭେଟିଥିଲା। ସେତେବେଳେ ସେହି ବ୍ୟକ୍ତି ନିଜକୁ ଜଣେ ବହିଷ୍କୃତ ଛାତ୍ର ବୋଲି କହିଥିଲା, ଗ୍ରାମ ଶିକ୍ଷକ ବୋଲି ନୁହେଁ।
Paragraph 4
English Summary:
The beggar denies Sergei's accusation and says that he is really a village
school teacher. He even offers to show his papers as proof. Sergei, however,
firmly accuses him of lying and reminds him of his earlier story.
ଓଡ଼ିଆ ସାରାଂଶ:
ଭିକାରୀଟି ସେର୍ଜେଇଙ୍କ ଅଭିଯୋଗକୁ ଅସ୍ୱୀକାର କରି କହେ ଯେ ସେ ପ୍ରକୃତରେ ଜଣେ ଗ୍ରାମ ବିଦ୍ୟାଳୟର ଶିକ୍ଷକ। ପ୍ରମାଣ ସ୍ୱରୂପ ସେ ନିଜର କାଗଜପତ୍ର ଦେଖାଇବାକୁ ମଧ୍ୟ କହେ। କିନ୍ତୁ ସେର୍ଜେଇ ତାକୁ ମିଛୁଆ ବୋଲି ଦୃଢ଼ ଭାବରେ ଅଭିଯୋଗ କରି ତା’ର ପୂର୍ବ କଥା ମନେ ପକାଇଦିଏ।
Paragraph 5
English Summary:
Sergei becomes angry and disgusted by the man's dishonesty and threatens to
call the police. The beggar finally admits that he has been lying. He confesses
that he is neither a student nor a teacher. He was formerly a singer in a
Russian choir but was sent away because of drunkenness. He says that he lies
because nobody gives him anything when he tells the truth.
ଓଡ଼ିଆ ସାରାଂଶ:
ସେର୍ଜେଇ ତା’ର ଅସାଧୁତାରେ ରାଗିଯାଇ ଘୃଣା ପ୍ରକାଶ କରେ ଏବଂ ପୋଲିସକୁ ଡାକିବାକୁ ଧମକ ଦିଏ। ଶେଷରେ ଭିକାରୀଟି ନିଜର ମିଛକୁ ସ୍ୱୀକାର କରେ। ସେ କହେ ଯେ ସେ ନା ଛାତ୍ର, ନା ଶିକ୍ଷକ। ପୂର୍ବରୁ ସେ ଜଣେ ରୁଷୀୟ ଗାୟକଦଳରେ ଗୀତ ଗାଉଥିଲା, କିନ୍ତୁ ମଦ୍ୟପାନ ଯୋଗୁଁ ତାକୁ ବାହାର କରିଦିଆଯାଇଥିଲା। ସତ କହିଲେ କେହି ତାକୁ କିଛି ଦିଏ ନାହିଁ ବୋଲି ସେ ବାଧ୍ୟ ହୋଇ ମିଛ କହେ ବୋଲି କହିଥାଏ।
Paragraph 6
English Summary:
Sergei tells the beggar that he should work instead of lying. When the beggar
asks where he can find work, Sergei offers him a job chopping wood. The beggar
agrees to do the work.
ଓଡ଼ିଆ ସାରାଂଶ:
ସେର୍ଜେଇ ଭିକାରୀକୁ ମିଛ କହିବା ପରିବର୍ତ୍ତେ କାମ କରିବାକୁ କହେ। ଭିକାରୀଟି କେଉଁଠାରେ କାମ ପାଇବ ବୋଲି ପଚାରିବାରୁ ସେର୍ଜେଇ ତାକୁ କାଠ କାଟିବା କାମ ଦିଏ। ଭିକାରୀଟି ସେହି କାମ କରିବାକୁ ରାଜି ହୁଏ।
Textual Comprehension Check:
1. Who are the characters described in this part of
the story? What are they doing?
Ans. The two characters described are Sergei, an advocate, and a beggar. Sergei
is standing near the theatre ticket window, while the beggar is asking for
money by telling a false story about his poverty and suffering.
2. Which country are they from? How do you
know this?
Ans. They are from Russia. This is clear from the Russian names, Sergei and
Lushkov, and from the use of Russian currency such as copecks and roubles.
3. What does the beggar look like?
Ans. The beggar looks shabby, weak and poorly dressed. He has a dirty, worn-out
appearance and seems to be suffering from poverty.
4. Did Sergei get angry with the beggar?
Why?
Ans. Yes, Sergei became angry with the beggar because he recognized that the
man was lying. The beggar had previously told Sergei that he was a starving
student, but now he claimed to be a schoolteacher who had been dismissed.
5. Do you think the beggar was lying? What
made him tell lies?
Ans. Yes, the beggar was lying. His poverty, helplessness and desire to get
money without working made him invent false stories. He had become accustomed
to begging and deception.
6. Did Sergei help the beggar to find
work? What kind of work did he suggest for the beggar?
Ans. Yes, Sergei helped the beggar to find work. He offered him work chopping
wood and later helped him get other small jobs.
7. The advocate asked the beggar to do
hard work like chopping wood. Was it a punishment or help?
Ans. It was help, not a punishment. Sergei wanted the beggar to stop begging,
earn money honestly and become a responsible working man.
8. Do you think the beggar would give up
begging and work for Sergei?
Ans. At first, the beggar was unwilling to work and preferred begging. However,
Sergei's kindness and insistence gradually encouraged him to work and change
his way of life.
ONE-MARK QUESTIONS
1. Who approached Sergei at the beginning of the story?
A ragged beggar approached Sergei and requested his help, claiming that he was
poor, hungry, unemployed, and desperately in need of money.
2. Whom did the beggar address as “Kind sir”?
The beggar addressed Sergei, an advocate, as “Kind sir” while pleading for his
sympathy and financial assistance.
3. For how many days had the beggar had nothing to eat?
The beggar claimed that he had had nothing to eat for three days and was
suffering from hunger.
4. What did the beggar lack even for a lodging?
The beggar said that he did not have even five copecks to pay for a lodging.
5. What did the beggar swear before God?
The beggar swore before God while assuring Sergei that his claim about his
miserable condition was true.
6. What profession did the beggar initially claim to have followed?
The beggar initially claimed that he had been a village school teacher for
eight years.
7. For how many years had the beggar claimed to be a village school teacher?
The beggar claimed that he had worked as a village school teacher for eight
years before losing his position.
8. Why did the beggar claim that he had lost his position?
He claimed that he had lost his position as a village school teacher because of
intrigues.
9. How long had the beggar been without work?
The beggar said that it had been a year since he had had anything to do.
10. What was Sergei's profession?
Sergei was an advocate who encountered the beggar and listened to his appeal
for assistance.
11. How did Sergei describe the beggar's overcoat?
Sergei observed the beggar's ragged, fawn-coloured overcoat, which reflected
his poverty and miserable physical condition.
12. What was noticeable about the beggar's eyes?
The beggar had dull, drunken eyes, suggesting that he was suffering from the
effects of excessive drinking.
13. What was noticeable on the beggar's cheeks?
There was a red spot on each of the beggar's cheeks, another indication of his
unhealthy and drunken appearance.
14. What did Sergei feel when he looked at the beggar?
Sergei felt that he had seen the beggar somewhere before, although he could not
immediately remember where.
15. Where had the beggar allegedly been offered a position?
The beggar claimed that he had been offered a position in the province of
Kaluga.
16. Why could the beggar not go to Kaluga?
The beggar claimed that he had no money to travel to Kaluga, where he said he
had been offered employment.
17. What did the beggar ask Sergei to do?
The beggar asked Sergei to help him financially because he lacked the money
necessary to travel to Kaluga.
18. Why was the beggar ashamed to ask Sergei for help?
The beggar said that he was ashamed to ask for help but was forced to do so by
his circumstances.
19. What did Sergei notice about the beggar's overshoes?
Sergei noticed that the beggar's overshoes were mismatched, with one being high
and the other being low.
20. What suddenly did Sergei remember after looking at the overshoes?
After looking at the mismatched overshoes, Sergei suddenly remembered that he
had met the beggar before.
21. Where had Sergei previously met the beggar?
Sergei remembered meeting the beggar two days earlier in Sadovya Street.
22. When had Sergei met the beggar previously?
Sergei had met the beggar the day before yesterday, when the man had told him a
different story.
23. What had the beggar claimed during his earlier meeting with Sergei?
During their earlier meeting, the beggar had claimed that he was an expelled
student rather than a village school teacher.
24. Why was Sergei suspicious of the beggar's present story?
Sergei was suspicious because the beggar had previously claimed to be an
expelled student but now claimed to be a school teacher.
25. What did Sergei ask the beggar to remember?
Sergei asked the beggar whether he remembered telling him earlier that he was
an expelled student.
26. How did the beggar react to Sergei's accusation?
The beggar was taken aback and denied Sergei's accusation, insisting that he
was actually a village school teacher.
27. What did the beggar offer to show Sergei?
The beggar offered to show Sergei his papers as proof that he was genuinely a
village school teacher.
28. What did Sergei accuse the beggar of doing?
Sergei accused the beggar of lying because his present story contradicted the
story he had previously told.
29. What had the beggar previously called himself?
The beggar had previously called himself a student and had claimed that he had
been expelled from school.
30. How did Sergei react to the beggar's dishonesty?
Sergei became angry and disgusted by the beggar's dishonesty and turned away
from him in disgust.
31. What did Sergei call the beggar's conduct?
Sergei called the beggar's conduct dishonesty and swindling because he had
deliberately invented false stories to obtain money.
32. Whom did Sergei threaten to send for the beggar?
Sergei threatened to send the police for the beggar because he considered his
behaviour dishonest and fraudulent.
33. What did the beggar finally admit?
The beggar finally admitted that he had been lying about his identity and
circumstances.
34. What did the beggar say about his identity?
The beggar admitted that he was neither a student nor a school teacher, despite
having claimed both identities.
35. What did the beggar say about his earlier stories?
The beggar admitted that all his earlier stories about being a student or
teacher had been fictional.
36. What had the beggar formerly done?
The beggar said that he had formerly sung in a Russian choir before being sent
away for drunkenness.
37. Why had the beggar been sent away from the Russian choir?
He had been sent away from the Russian choir because of his drunkenness.
38. Why did the beggar say that he lied?
The beggar said that he lied because nobody gave him anything when he told the
truth.
39. What difficulty did the beggar face when telling the truth?
According to the beggar, nobody would give him anything when he honestly told
people about his real circumstances.
40. What advice did Sergei give the beggar?
Sergei advised the beggar to work instead of lying and begging for money.
41. What did Sergei say the beggar must do?
Sergei emphatically told the beggar that he must work instead of depending on
lies and deception.
42. What work did Sergei offer the beggar?
Sergei offered the beggar work chopping wood, giving him an opportunity to earn
money honestly.
43. What objection did the beggar make about chopping wood?
The beggar said that even skilled wood-cutters sometimes remained without bread
in those difficult times.
44. Did the beggar refuse Sergei's offer of work?
No, the beggar did not refuse Sergei's offer and eventually agreed to come and
chop wood for him.
45. What did Sergei ask the beggar twice?
Sergei asked the beggar whether he would come and chop wood for him.
46. What was the beggar's final response to Sergei's offer?
The beggar agreed to work for Sergei, saying that he would come and chop wood
for him.
47. What did Sergei say after the beggar agreed?
After the beggar agreed, Sergei said, “Very well, we'll soon find out,”
indicating that he would test his willingness to work.
48. What does the beggar's changing stories reveal about his character?
His changing stories reveal that he was dishonest and desperate, using false
identities because he believed truth would not bring assistance.
49. What important quality did Sergei expect the beggar to develop?
Sergei expected the beggar to become honest and self-reliant by working instead
of depending upon lies and deception.
50. What is the central idea introduced in Part I?
Part I introduces the idea that honest work, rather than deception and begging,
can provide a person with dignity and a better life.
MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
1. Who approaches Sergei at the beginning of Part I?
A. A village school teacher
B. A former student
C. A ragged beggar
D. A Russian choir singer
Ans. C. A ragged beggar
2. Whom does the beggar address as “Kind sir”?
A. Olga
B. Sergei
C. The police officer
D. The choir master
Ans. B. Sergei
3. For how many days does the beggar claim to have had nothing to eat?
A. One day
B. Two days
C. Three days
D. Eight days
Ans. C. Three days
4. How many copecks does the beggar say he does not have for a lodging?
A. Three copecks
B. Five copecks
C. Ten copecks
D. Fifteen copecks
Ans. B. Five copecks
5. What does the beggar swear before God?
A. That he is a student
B. That he is wealthy
C. That he is telling the truth about his condition
D. That he knows Sergei personally
Ans. C. That he is telling the truth about his condition
6. What profession does the beggar initially claim to have had?
A. Lawyer
B. Russian choir singer
C. Village school teacher
D. Wood-cutter
Ans. C. Village school teacher
7. For how many years does the beggar claim to have been a village school
teacher?
A. Five years
B. Six years
C. Eight years
D. Ten years
Ans. C. Eight years
8. Why does the beggar claim that he lost his position?
A. Because of illness
B. Because of intrigues
C. Because of theft
D. Because he resigned
Ans. B. Because of intrigues
9. How long has the beggar supposedly been without work?
A. Six months
B. Eight months
C. One year
D. Two years
Ans. C. One year
10. What is Sergei's profession?
A. Advocate
B. Teacher
C. Doctor
D. Police officer
Ans. A. Advocate
11. What colour is the beggar's ragged overcoat?
A. Black
B. Brown
C. Fawn
D. Grey
Ans. C. Fawn
12. How are the beggar's eyes described?
A. Bright and cheerful
B. Dull and drunken
C. Sharp and intelligent
D. Cold and angry
Ans. B. Dull and drunken
13. What is visible on each of the beggar's cheeks?
A. A scar
B. A bruise
C. A red spot
D. A wound
Ans. C. A red spot
14. What does Sergei feel when he looks at the beggar?
A. He has met him somewhere before
B. He has never seen him before
C. He knows him personally
D. He is related to him
Ans. A. He has met him somewhere before
15. Where does the beggar claim he has been offered a position?
A. Moscow
B. Sadovya
C. Kaluga province
D. St. Petersburg
Ans. C. Kaluga province
16. Why does the beggar say he cannot go to Kaluga?
A. He has no passport
B. He has no money to travel there
C. He does not know the way
D. He is ill
Ans. B. He has no money to travel there
17. What does the beggar ask Sergei to do?
A. Find him a house
B. Give him a job immediately
C. Help him financially
D. Call the police
Ans. C. Help him financially
18. Why does the beggar say he is ashamed to ask for help?
A. He dislikes Sergei
B. He has enough money
C. His circumstances force him to ask
D. He has committed a crime
Ans. C. His circumstances force him to ask
19. What does Sergei notice about the beggar's overshoes?
A. Both are new
B. Both are torn
C. One is high and the other low
D. One is missing
Ans. C. One is high and the other low
20. What does Sergei suddenly remember after noticing the overshoes?
A. Meeting the beggar before
B. Employing the beggar
C. Seeing the beggar at a theatre
D. Giving the beggar money
Ans. A. Meeting the beggar before
21. Where had Sergei met the beggar previously?
A. Kaluga province
B. Sadovya Street
C. Outside a theatre
D. Near his house
Ans. B. Sadovya Street
22. When had Sergei met the beggar previously?
A. The previous month
B. The previous week
C. The day before yesterday
D. The previous year
Ans. C. The day before yesterday
23. What had the beggar claimed to be during their earlier meeting?
A. A village teacher
B. A student who had been expelled
C. A lawyer
D. A choir master
Ans. B. A student who had been expelled
24. What does Sergei accuse the beggar of doing?
A. Stealing
B. Begging
C. Lying
D. Fighting
Ans. C. Lying
25. How does the beggar initially respond to Sergei's accusation?
A. He runs away
B. He becomes angry
C. He denies it and insists he is a village teacher
D. He calls the police
Ans. C. He denies it and insists he is a village teacher
26. What does the beggar offer to show Sergei?
A. His money
B. His papers
C. His passport
D. His appointment letter
Ans. B. His papers
27. What does Sergei tell the beggar to stop doing?
A. Begging
B. Working
C. Lying
D. Travelling
Ans. C. Lying
28. What had the beggar previously claimed about himself?
A. That he was a doctor
B. That he was an expelled student
C. That he was a lawyer
D. That he was a merchant
Ans. B. That he was an expelled student
29. How does Sergei react to the beggar's dishonesty?
A. He laughs
B. He becomes angry and disgusted
C. He gives him money
D. He ignores him
Ans. B. He becomes angry and disgusted
30. What does Sergei call the beggar's conduct?
A. Courage
B. Honesty
C. Dishonesty and swindling
D. Misunderstanding
Ans. C. Dishonesty and swindling
31. Whom does Sergei threaten to call?
A. Olga
B. A doctor
C. The police
D. A teacher
Ans. C. The police
32. What does the beggar finally admit?
A. He is a teacher
B. He is a student
C. He was lying
D. He is wealthy
Ans. C. He was lying
33. What does the beggar say about being a student or teacher?
A. He is both
B. He is only a teacher
C. He is neither
D. He is only a student
Ans. C. He is neither
34. What does the beggar say was fiction?
A. His hunger
B. His Russian choir
C. His stories about being a student and teacher
D. His meeting with Sergei
Ans. C. His stories about being a student and teacher
35. What had the beggar formerly done?
A. Taught at a school
B. Sung in a Russian choir
C. Worked as an advocate
D. Cut wood professionally
Ans. B. Sung in a Russian choir
36. Why was the beggar sent away from the Russian choir?
A. For stealing
B. For lying
C. For drunkenness
D. For fighting
Ans. C. For drunkenness
37. Why does the beggar say he cannot get along without lying?
A. He enjoys deceiving people
B. Nobody gives him anything when he tells the truth
C. Sergei encourages him to lie
D. He wants to become a teacher
Ans. B. Nobody gives him anything when he tells the truth
38. What does Sergei tell the beggar to do instead of lying?
A. Travel
B. Beg
C. Work
D. Sing
Ans. C. Work
39. What does Sergei say the beggar must do?
A. Study
B. Work
C. Travel to Kaluga
D. Join a choir
Ans. B. Work
40. What kind of work does Sergei offer the beggar?
A. Teaching
B. Singing
C. Chopping wood
D. Copying letters
Ans. C. Chopping wood
41. What concern does the beggar express about finding work?
A. Skilled wood-cutters also sometimes remain without bread
B. He cannot travel
C. He has no papers
D. He cannot read
Ans. A. Skilled wood-cutters also sometimes remain without bread
42. Does the beggar agree to chop wood for Sergei?
A. No, he refuses
B. Yes, he agrees
C. He asks Olga first
D. He runs away
Ans. B. Yes, he agrees
43. What does the beggar say after Sergei asks whether he will chop wood?
A. “No, sir.”
B. “Perhaps tomorrow.”
C. “Yes, sir, I will.”
D. “I cannot work.”
Ans. C. “Yes, sir, I will.”
44. What does Sergei say after the beggar agrees to work?
A. “Go away.”
B. “Very well, we'll soon find out.”
C. “Call the police.”
D. “Come tomorrow.”
Ans. B. “Very well, we'll soon find out.”
45. Which place is associated with Sergei's earlier meeting with the beggar?
A. Kaluga
B. Sadovya Street
C. The theatre
D. The woodshed
Ans. B. Sadovya Street
46. Which of the following was NOT one of the beggar's claimed identities?
A. Village school teacher
B. Expelled student
C. Russian choir singer
D. Advocate
Ans. D. Advocate
47. What does the beggar's confession reveal about his earlier claims?
A. They were completely true
B. They were partly true
C. They were fictional
D. Sergei had misunderstood them
Ans. C. They were fictional
48. What is the beggar mainly seeking from Sergei at first?
A. Legal advice
B. Employment in a choir
C. Financial assistance
D. A place at school
Ans. C. Financial assistance
49. What prevents the beggar from travelling to Kaluga, according to his
story?
A. Lack of money
B. Lack of documents
C. Lack of health
D. Lack of knowledge
Ans. A. Lack of money
50. What does Sergei believe is the proper solution to the beggar's
problems?
A. Begging
B. Lying more convincingly
C. Honest work
D. Travelling abroad
Ans. C. Honest work
51. Which quality does Sergei strongly condemn in the beggar?
A. Poverty
B. Laziness
C. Dishonesty
D. Weakness
Ans. C. Dishonesty
52. Which quality does Sergei try to encourage in the beggar?
A. Dependence
B. Honesty through work
C. Deception
D. Anger
Ans. B. Honesty through work
53. What does the beggar's statement “No one will give me anything when I
tell the truth” suggest?
A. He prefers working
B. He uses lying as a means of obtaining help
C. He dislikes Sergei
D. He wants to become a teacher
Ans. B. He uses lying as a means of obtaining help
54. What does Sergei's offer of chopping wood provide the beggar?
A. An opportunity to earn money honestly
B. A chance to become a teacher
C. A position in Kaluga
D. A place in a choir
Ans. A. An opportunity to earn money honestly
55. What major change does Sergei demand from the beggar?
A. From teaching to singing
B. From lying and begging to honest work
C. From Kaluga to Moscow
D. From poverty to wealth
Ans. B. From lying and begging to honest work
56. Which statement best describes the beggar at the end of Part I?
A. He has become wealthy
B. He has found a permanent job
C. He has agreed to try working honestly
D. He has returned to teaching
Ans. C. He has agreed to try working honestly
57. What does Part I mainly establish?
A. Sergei's legal career
B. The beggar's dishonest past and Sergei's offer of honest work
C. Olga's character
D. Lushkoff's success as a notary
Ans. B. The beggar's dishonest past and Sergei's offer of honest work
58. What is the most important lesson introduced in Part I?
A. Wealth brings happiness
B. Deception is always successful
C. Honest work is better than dishonest begging
D. Education guarantees success
Ans. C. Honest work is better than dishonest begging.
PART II
“Sergei hastened along, rubbing his hands. He
called his cook out of the kitchen …………………. ‘Goodbye!’”
Glossary/ A list of
difficult words and their meanings/ କଠିନ ଓ ସେମାନଙ୍କର ଅର୍ଥର ତାଲିକା
Hasten (ହେସନ୍) : Hurry; ତରବର ହୋଇ ଯିବା
Rubbing his hands (ରବିଙ୍ଗ୍ ହିଜ୍ ହ୍ୟାଣ୍ଡ୍ସ) : Moving his hands together, often in
anticipation or satisfaction; ଆଶା ବା ସନ୍ତୋଷରେ ହାତ ଘଷିବା
Woodshed (ଉଡ୍ଶେଡ୍) : A shed
where wood is stored; କାଠ ରଖିବା ଘର
Scarecrow (ସ୍କେଆକ୍ରୋ) : A
person who looks extremely thin, shabby or miserable; ଅତ୍ୟନ୍ତ ଦୁର୍ବଳ, ଜୀର୍ଣ୍ଣ ବା ଦୟନୀୟ ଦେଖାଯାଉଥିବା ବ୍ୟକ୍ତି
In perplexity (ଇନ୍ ପର୍ପ୍ଲେକ୍ସିଟି) : In a state of confusion; ବିଭ୍ରାନ୍ତ ଅବସ୍ଥାରେ
Irresolutely (ଇରେଜଲ୍ୟୁଟ୍ଲି) : Without
firmness or determination; ଦ୍ୱିଧାରେ, ଅନିଶ୍ଚିତ ଭାବରେ
Gait (ଗେଟ୍) : Manner
of walking; ଚାଲିବାର ଢଙ୍ଗ
Pride (ପ୍ରାଇଡ୍) : A
feeling of self-respect or self-importance; ଗର୍ବ, ଅହଂକାର
Undermined (ଅଣ୍ଡରମାଇନ୍ଡ୍) :
Weakened gradually; ଧୀରେ ଧୀରେ ଦୁର୍ବଳ ହୋଇଥିବା
Vodka (ଭଡ୍କା) : A
strong alcoholic drink; ଏକ ପ୍ରକାର ତୀବ୍ର ମଦ୍ୟପାନୀୟ
Toil (ଟଏଲ୍) : Hard
and tiring work; କଠିନ ପରିଶ୍ରମ
Dining room (ଡାଇନିଙ୍ଗ୍ ରୁମ୍) : A room used for eating meals; ଭୋଜନ କକ୍ଷ
Wrathfully (ରାଥ୍ଫୁଲି) :
Angrily; କ୍ରୋଧରେ
Companion (କମ୍ପାନିଅନ୍) : A
person who accompanies another; ସାଥୀ
Shove (ଶଭ୍) : Push
roughly; ଠେଲିଦେବା
Pseudo-teacher (ସୁଡୋ-ଟିଚର୍) : A person falsely claiming to be a teacher;
ମିଥ୍ୟା ପରିଚୟ ଦେଇଥିବା ଶିକ୍ଷକ
Seat himself (ସିଟ୍ ହିମସେଲ୍ଫ୍) : Sit down; ବସିଯିବା
Log (ଲଗ୍) : A thick
piece of a tree trunk; ଗଛର ମୋଟା କାଠଖଣ୍ଡ
Resting on his fists (ରେଷ୍ଟିଙ୍ଗ୍ ଅନ୍ ହିଜ୍ ଫିଷ୍ଟ୍ସ) : Supporting his face/head with his closed hands; ମୁଠା କରିଥିବା ହାତ ଉପରେ ମୁହଁ/ମୁଣ୍ଡ ରଖିବା
Flung down (ଫ୍ଲଙ୍ଗ୍ ଡାଉନ୍) : Threw down forcefully; ଜୋରରେ ଫିଙ୍ଗିଦେବା
Spat (ସ୍ପାଟ୍) : Spat
saliva from the mouth; ଛେପ ପକାଇବା
Judging from (ଜଜିଙ୍ଗ୍ ଫ୍ରମ୍) : Based on what is observed; ଯାହା ଦେଖାଯାଏ ତାହା ଆଧାରରେ
Scold (ସ୍କୋଲ୍ଡ୍) : Speak
angrily to someone because of their behaviour; ଗାଳିଦେବା, ଭର୍ତ୍ସନା କରିବା
Billet (ବିଲିଟ୍) : A short
thick piece of wood; ଛୋଟ ମୋଟା କାଠଖଣ୍ଡ
Wavered (ୱେଭର୍ଡ୍) : Moved
unsteadily from side to side; ଟଳମଳ ହେବା
Cautiously (କସସ୍ଲି) :
Carefully to avoid danger or mistakes; ସାବଧାନତାର ସହିତ
Overshoe (ଓଭର୍ଶୁ) : A
protective shoe worn over another shoe; ଅନ୍ୟ ଜୋତା ଉପରେ ପିନ୍ଧାଯାଉଥିବା ଜୋତା
Menial labour (ମିନିଆଲ୍ ଲେବର୍) : Low-status, physically demanding work; ନିମ୍ନମାନର କଠିନ ଶ୍ରମ
Chopped (ଚପ୍ଟ୍) : Cut
into pieces; ଖଣ୍ଡ ଖଣ୍ଡ କରି କାଟିବା
Waif (ୱେଫ୍) : A
homeless or helpless person; ଗୃହହୀନ ବା ଅସହାୟ ବ୍ୟକ୍ତି
Make one's appearance (ମେକ୍ ୱାନ୍ସ୍ ଅପିଅରେନ୍ସ୍) : Appear or arrive; ଦେଖାଦେବା, ଆସିବା
Barely (ବେଆର୍ଲି) : Only
just; କଷ୍ଟେମଷ୍ଟେ, ଅତି ଅଳ୍ପରେ
Shovel (ଶଭଲ୍) : Move or
clear material with a shovel; କୋଦାଳରେ ହଟାଇବା
Put in order (ପୁଟ୍ ଇନ୍ ଅର୍ଡର୍) : Arrange neatly; ସୁବ୍ୟବସ୍ଥିତ କରିବା
Beat the dust out of (ବିଟ୍ ଦ ଡଷ୍ଟ୍ ଆଉଟ୍ ଅଫ୍) : Remove
dust by hitting; ପିଟି ଧୂଳି ବାହାର କରିବା
Mattress (ମ୍ୟାଟ୍ରେସ୍) : A
padded covering used as a bed; ଗଦି
Copecks (କୋପେକ୍ସ) : Small
Russian coins; ରୁଷିଆର ଛୋଟ ମୁଦ୍ରାଗୁଡ଼ିକ
Trousers (ଟ୍ରାଉଜର୍ଜ୍) : A
garment covering the legs; ପାଇଜାମା/ପ୍ୟାଣ୍ଟ୍
Hauling (ହଲିଙ୍ଗ୍) : Pulling
or carrying something heavy; ଭାରୀ ଜିନିଷ ଟାଣିବା ବା ବୋହିବା
Gloomy (ଗ୍ଲୁମି) : Sad and
depressed; ବିଷଣ୍ଣ, ମନମରା
Pretence (ପ୍ରିଟେନ୍ସ୍) : An
attempt to appear to be something one is not; ଭଣ୍ଡାମି, ଛଳନା
Tattered (ଟାଟର୍ଡ୍) : Torn
and badly worn; ଚିରାଫଟା ଓ ଜୀର୍ଣ୍ଣ
Pains (ପେନ୍ଜ୍) : Trouble
or effort taken to do something; କଷ୍ଟ, ପରିଶ୍ରମ
Cleaner employment (କ୍ଲିନର୍ ଏମ୍ପ୍ଲଏମେଣ୍ଟ୍) : More
respectable or less physically difficult work; ଅଧିକ ସମ୍ମାନଜନକ ବା କମ୍ କଠିନ କାମ
Copying (କପିଇଙ୍ଗ୍) : Writing
out documents accurately from an original; ମୂଳ ଲେଖା ଦେଖି ନକଲ କରି ଲେଖିବା
Parting (ପାର୍ଟିଙ୍ଗ୍) : The act
of leaving or separating; ବିଦାୟ ନେବା, ବିଚ୍ଛେଦ
Put on the right path (ପୁଟ୍ ଅନ୍ ଦ ରାଇଟ୍ ପାଥ୍) : Help
someone to live correctly; ସଠିକ୍ ପଥରେ ଆଣିବା
SUMMARY
Paragraph 7
English Summary:
Sergei sends his cook, Olga, with the beggar to the woodshed. The beggar does
not really want to work but goes because his pride and shame prevent him from
taking back his words. His strength has also been weakened by vodka, and he is
unhealthy and unwilling to work.
ଓଡ଼ିଆ ସାରାଂଶ:
ସେର୍ଜେଇ ତାଙ୍କ ରୋଷେଇଆ ଓଲ୍ଗାଙ୍କୁ ଭିକାରୀ ସହିତ କାଠଘରକୁ ପଠାଏ। ଭିକାରୀଟି ପ୍ରକୃତରେ କାମ କରିବାକୁ ଇଚ୍ଛୁକ ନଥିଲା; କିନ୍ତୁ ନିଜର ଗର୍ବ ଓ ଲଜ୍ଜା ଯୋଗୁଁ ସେ ନିଜ କଥାରୁ ପଛକୁ ହଟିପାରିଲା ନାହିଁ। ଭୋଡ୍କା ପିଇବା ଯୋଗୁଁ ତା’ର ଶକ୍ତି ମଧ୍ୟ ନଷ୍ଟ ହୋଇଯାଇଥିଲା ଏବଂ ସେ ଅସୁସ୍ଥ ଓ କାମ କରିବାକୁ ଅନିଚ୍ଛୁକ ଥିଲା।
Paragraph 8
English Summary:
From the window, Sergei watches Olga take the beggar to the woodshed. Olga
angrily pushes him, unlocks the shed and scolds him. The beggar struggles
weakly to chop a piece of wood but repeatedly fails.
ଓଡ଼ିଆ ସାରାଂଶ:
ଝରକା ଦେଇ ସେର୍ଜେଇ ଓଲ୍ଗାଙ୍କୁ ଭିକାରୀକୁ କାଠଘରକୁ ନେଇଯାଉଥିବା ଦେଖେ। ଓଲ୍ଗା ରାଗରେ ତାକୁ ଠେଲିଦିଏ, କାଠଘରର ତାଲା ଖୋଲେ ଏବଂ ତାକୁ ଗାଳି ଦିଏ। ଭିକାରୀଟି ଦୁର୍ବଳ ଭାବେ ଏକ କାଠଖଣ୍ଡ କାଟିବାକୁ ଚେଷ୍ଟା କରେ, କିନ୍ତୁ ବାରମ୍ବାର ବିଫଳ ହୁଏ।
Paragraph 9
English Summary:
Seeing the beggar's weakness, Sergei's anger disappears. He begins to feel
sorry and ashamed for having made a spoiled, drunken and perhaps sick man do
menial labour in the cold. Later, Olga tells him that the wood has been
chopped, and Sergei pays the beggar half a rouble.
ଓଡ଼ିଆ ସାରାଂଶ:
ଭିକାରୀର ଦୁର୍ବଳତା ଦେଖି ସେର୍ଜେଇଙ୍କ କ୍ରୋଧ ଦୂର ହୋଇଯାଏ। ଥଣ୍ଡାରେ ଜଣେ ଅଭ୍ୟସ୍ତ ମଦ୍ୟପ ଓ ସମ୍ଭବତଃ ଅସୁସ୍ଥ ବ୍ୟକ୍ତିଙ୍କୁ ନିମ୍ନମାନର କଠିନ ଶ୍ରମ କରାଇଥିବାରୁ ସେ ତା’ ପାଇଁ ଦୁଃଖିତ ଓ ଲଜ୍ଜିତ ହୁଏ। ପରେ ଓଲ୍ଗା ଆସି କାଠ ସବୁ କଟା ହୋଇଯାଇଥିବା କହେ। ସେର୍ଜେଇ ଭିକାରୀକୁ ଅର୍ଧ ରୁବଲ୍ ଦିଏ।
Paragraph 10
English Summary:
From that day on, the beggar often comes to Sergei's yard and is given various
kinds of work. He shovels snow, puts the woodshed in order and beats the dust
out of rugs and mattresses. Each time he receives a small payment, and once he
is even given a pair of old trousers.
ଓଡ଼ିଆ ସାରାଂଶ:
ସେହି ଦିନଠାରୁ ଭିକାରୀଟି ପ୍ରାୟତଃ ସେର୍ଜେଇଙ୍କ ଘରକୁ କାମ ପାଇଁ ଆସିବାକୁ ଲାଗେ। ସେ ବରଫ ହଟାଏ, କାଠଘରକୁ ସଜାଏ ଏବଂ ଗାଲିଚା ଓ ଗଦିରୁ ଧୂଳି ବାହାର କରେ। ପ୍ରତ୍ୟେକ ଥର ସେ କିଛି ଟଙ୍କା ପାଏ ଏବଂ ଥରେ ତାକୁ ଏକ ଯୋଡ଼ା ପୁରୁଣା ପ୍ୟାଣ୍ଟ ମଧ୍ୟ ଦିଆଯାଏ।
Paragraph 11
English Summary:
When Sergei moves to another house, he hires the beggar to help with packing
and hauling the furniture. This time the man is sober, gloomy and silent. He
hardly touches the furniture and merely walks behind the wagons, shivering in
the cold and embarrassed by his tattered overcoat. After the move, Sergei calls
him and gives him a rouble.
ଓଡ଼ିଆ ସାରାଂଶ:
ସେର୍ଜେଇ ଅନ୍ୟ ଘରକୁ ଯିବା ସମୟରେ ଭିକାରୀକୁ ଜିନିଷପତ୍ର ପ୍ୟାକ୍ କରିବା ଓ ଆସବାବପତ୍ର ବୋହିବା କାମରେ ନିଯୁକ୍ତ କରେ। ଏଥର ଭିକାରୀଟି ମଦମୁକ୍ତ ଥିଲେ ମଧ୍ୟ ବିଷଣ୍ଣ ଓ ନିରବ ଥାଏ। ସେ ଆସବାବପତ୍ରକୁ ପ୍ରାୟ ଛୁଏ ନାହିଁ; କେବଳ ଗାଡ଼ିଗୁଡ଼ିକ ପଛରେ ମୁଣ୍ଡ ନୁଆଇ ଚାଲେ, ଥଣ୍ଡାରେ ଥରଥର କମ୍ପିତ ହୁଏ ଏବଂ ନିଜର ଚିରାଫଟା ଓଭରକୋଟ୍କୁ ନେଇ ଲଜ୍ଜିତ ହୁଏ। ଘର ବଦଳାଇବା କାମ ଶେଷ ହେବା ପରେ ସେର୍ଜେଇ ତାକୁ ଡାକି ଗୋଟିଏ ରୁବଲ୍ ଦିଏ।
Paragraph 12
English Summary:
Sergei is pleased to see that the beggar is now sober and has no objection to
working. He offers him cleaner employment—copying work—and advises him to work
hard, avoid drinking and remember his words. Pleased that he has helped the man
move towards the right path, Sergei says goodbye to him.
ଓଡ଼ିଆ ସାରାଂଶ:
ଭିକାରୀଟି ମଦମୁକ୍ତ ହୋଇଥିବା ଏବଂ କାମ କରିବାରେ ତା’ର ଆପତ୍ତି ନଥିବା ଦେଖି ସେର୍ଜେଇ ଖୁସି ହୁଏ। ସେ ତାକୁ ଅଧିକ ସମ୍ମାନଜନକ କାମ—ନକଲ କରି ଲେଖିବା କାମ—ଦେବାକୁ ପ୍ରସ୍ତାବ ଦିଏ। ସେ ତାକୁ କଠିନ ପରିଶ୍ରମ କରିବା, ମଦ୍ୟପାନ ନ କରିବା ଏବଂ ନିଜ କଥା ମନେ ରଖିବାକୁ ଉପଦେଶ ଦିଏ। ଜଣେ ମଣିଷକୁ ସଠିକ୍ ପଥ ଆଡ଼କୁ ଆଣିପାରିଥିବାରୁ ସେର୍ଜେଇ ଖୁସି ହୋଇ ତାକୁ ବିଦାୟ ଦିଏ।
Textual Comprehension Check
1. What is this part of the story about? Did Lushkoff agree to chop wood
for Sergei?
This part of the story is about Sergei giving Lushkoff work instead of money.
Sergei asked him to chop wood in order to earn some money. Yes, Lushkoff agreed
to chop wood for Sergei.
2. What did Sergei see from the window of the dining room?
From the window of the dining room, Sergei saw Lushkoff sitting on a log of
wood. He was chopping the wood with an axe, but he was doing it weakly and
hesitantly because he was not used to hard physical work.
3. What other work did Lushkoff have to do besides chopping wood?
Besides chopping wood, Lushkoff had to do other odd jobs for Sergei. He helped
with household work such as sweeping the yard and carrying wood.
4. What kind of person was Sergei, kind or cruel? How do you know this?
Sergei was a kind and helpful person, though he was sometimes strict. He
did not simply give Lushkoff money. Instead, he gave him work so that he could
earn money honestly. He also tried to help him change his way of life and find
respectable work.
5. Sergei said, “Well, I am happy that my words have taken effect.” Why
did Sergei say so? Was he right in saying this?
Sergei said this because he believed that his advice and scolding had made
Lushkoff give up begging and take up honest work. However, he was not
completely right. His words may have encouraged Lushkoff, but later we
learn that it was actually Sergei's cook, Olga, whose kindness and compassion
had a greater effect on Lushkoff and helped him reform.
6. Did Lushkoff know reading and writing? What did Sergei want Lushkoff
to do for earning money?
Yes, Lushkoff knew reading and writing. Sergei wanted him to use his education
to find respectable work instead of begging. He offered to recommend him for a
job as a copyist and later suggested other suitable work.
7. Do you expect that Lushkoff will get a better job and he won't come
to Sergei for chopping wood?
Yes, I expect that Lushkoff will gradually get a better job and become
independent. He seems to be moving towards an honest life, and Sergei is trying
to help him find respectable employment. Therefore, he may no longer need to
come to Sergei for chopping wood.
ONE-MARK QUESTIONS
1. Where did Sergei go after offering the beggar work?
Sergei hurried into the dining room, from whose windows he could see the
woodshed and everything happening in the yard.
2. Whom did Sergei call out of the kitchen?
Sergei called his cook, Olga, out of the kitchen and instructed her to take the
beggar to the woodshed.
3. What did Sergei ask Olga to make the beggar do?
Sergei asked Olga to take the beggar into the woodshed and make him chop wood
there.
4. How is the beggar described when he follows Olga?
The beggar is described as a scarecrow who shrugged his shoulders perplexedly
and followed Olga irresolutely to the woodshed.
5. Why did the beggar agree to chop wood?
The beggar agreed because pride, shame, and his own words trapped him, rather
than genuine hunger or desire for work.
6. What had weakened the beggar's strength?
The beggar's strength had been undermined by vodka, leaving him unhealthy,
weak, and without the slightest inclination for hard labour.
7. How did the beggar feel about working?
The beggar had no inclination for toil and did not genuinely want to chop wood
despite agreeing to Sergei's offer.
8. What could Sergei see from the dining-room windows?
From the dining-room windows, Sergei could see the woodshed and everything that
happened in the yard.
9. Through which door did Olga and the beggar enter the yard?
Olga and the beggar came into the yard through the back door before crossing
the dirty snow toward the woodshed.
10. How did Olga behave towards the beggar?
Olga glared wrathfully at the beggar, shoved him aside with her elbow, unlocked
the shed, and angrily banged the door.
11. How did Olga look at the beggar?
Olga looked at her companion wrathfully, showing her anger and disapproval of
his unwillingness and weakness.
12. What did Olga do after reaching the woodshed?
Olga unlocked the woodshed, angrily banged its door, and later threw an axe at
the beggar's feet.
13. Who was the “pseudo-teacher”?
The “pseudo-teacher” was Lushkoff, the beggar who had falsely claimed to be a
village school teacher.
14. Where did the pseudo-teacher seat himself?
The pseudo-teacher seated himself on a log in the woodshed and became lost in
thought.
15. How did the pseudo-teacher sit on the log?
He sat on a log with his red cheeks resting on his fists, apparently lost in
thought and unwilling to work.
16. What did Olga fling down at the beggar's feet?
Olga flung an axe down at the beggar's feet, expecting him to begin chopping
wood.
17. How did Olga react while watching the beggar?
Olga spat angrily and began scolding him, judging from the expression of her
lips.
18. What did the beggar do with the billet of wood?
The beggar pulled a billet toward himself, placed it between his feet, and
tapped it feebly with the axe.
19. How did the billet behave when the beggar struck it?
The billet wavered and fell down when the beggar struck it weakly with his axe.
20. Why did the beggar tap the wood cautiously?
He tapped cautiously because he feared striking his overshoe or cutting his
finger while attempting to chop the wood.
21. What did the beggar do to his freezing hands?
The beggar blew on his freezing hands before cautiously attempting to strike
the wood again with his axe.
22. What happened when the beggar struck the wood again?
The stick of wood again fell to the ground because the beggar was too weak to
chop it effectively.
23. Why did Sergei's anger disappear?
Sergei's anger disappeared when he saw the beggar's extreme weakness and
realized how difficult and miserable his condition was.
24. Why did Sergei feel sorry for the beggar?
Sergei felt sorry because he had made a spoiled, drunken, perhaps sick man
perform menial labour in the cold.
25. Why did Sergei feel ashamed of himself?
Sergei felt ashamed because he had forced a weak and possibly sick drunken man
to perform hard labour in freezing weather.
26. How long later did Olga return to the house?
Olga returned one hour later and announced that all the wood had been chopped.
27. What did Olga announce to Sergei?
Olga announced that the wood had all been chopped after the beggar had
supposedly completed the assigned work.
28. How much money did Sergei order Olga to give the beggar?
Sergei ordered Olga to give the beggar half a rouble for the work he had
apparently completed.
29. When could the beggar return to chop wood again?
Sergei said that the beggar could return and chop wood on the first day of each
month.
30. What did Sergei say about finding work for the beggar?
Sergei said that they could always find work for the beggar whenever he came to
the yard.
31. When did the waif next appear at Sergei's house?
The waif appeared again on the first day of the following month and earned
another half a rouble.
32. How much did the waif earn again on the first of the month?
The waif again earned half a rouble, although he could barely stand on his
legs.
33. What was the waif's physical condition on returning?
The waif was so weak that he could barely stand on his legs when he returned.
34. What kinds of work did the waif perform later?
He shovelled snow, put the woodshed in order, and beat dust out of rugs and
mattresses whenever work was available.
35. How much did the waif usually receive for his work?
The waif received between twenty and forty copecks each time he performed work
for Sergei.
36. What additional item was once given to the waif?
Once, the waif was given a pair of old trousers in addition to the small
payments he regularly received.
37. What happened when Sergei moved into another house?
When Sergei moved into another house, he hired Lushkoff to help with packing
and hauling the furniture.
38. How was the waif different during Sergei's move?
During the move, the waif was sober, gloomy, and silent, unlike his earlier
drunken and more visibly distressed condition.
39. How much furniture did the waif actually handle?
The waif hardly touched the furniture and made little effort to appear busy
during Sergei's house move.
40. How did the waif walk behind the wagons?
The waif walked behind the wagons hanging his head, barely working and making
no pretence of appearing busy.
41. Why did the waif become embarrassed?
The waif became embarrassed when the carters jeered at him for his idleness,
feebleness, and tattered fancy overcoat.
42. What did the carters do to the waif?
The carters jeered at the waif because he was idle, feeble, and dressed in a
tattered, fancy overcoat.
43. What did Sergei do after the moving was over?
After the moving was over, Sergei sent for Lushkoff and spoke to him about his
future employment.
44. Why was Sergei happy with Lushkoff?
Sergei was happy because Lushkoff appeared sober and seemed to have accepted
the value of honest work.
45. What did Sergei give Lushkoff after the moving?
Sergei gave Lushkoff a rouble for his pains after the furniture-moving work was
completed.
46. What did Sergei notice about Lushkoff?
Sergei noticed that Lushkoff was sober and apparently had no objection to
working.
47. What did Sergei ask Lushkoff about his name?
Sergei asked the beggar his name after observing his improved condition and
willingness to work.
48. What was the beggar's real name?
The beggar's real name was Lushkoff, which he revealed to Sergei after
completing the moving work.
49. What cleaner employment did Sergei offer Lushkoff?
Sergei offered Lushkoff cleaner employment involving copying work, which was
more respectable than performing menial labour.
50. What ability did Sergei ask Lushkoff about?
Sergei asked Lushkoff whether he could write, because he wanted to offer him
copying work.
51. Could Lushkoff write?
Yes, Lushkoff could write, so Sergei offered him an opportunity to do copying
work.
52. What did Sergei ask Lushkoff to take to his friend?
Sergei asked Lushkoff to take a letter to a friend the following day to obtain
some copying work.
53. What work would Lushkoff be given by Sergei's friend?
Lushkoff would be given some copying work by Sergei's friend after delivering
the letter.
54. What advice did Sergei give Lushkoff?
Sergei advised Lushkoff to work hard, avoid drinking, and remember the advice
he had given him.
55. What did Sergei say about drinking?
Sergei told Lushkoff not to drink and encouraged him to remain committed to
honest and respectable work.
56. Why was Sergei pleased with himself?
Sergei was pleased because he believed that his advice and assistance had put
Lushkoff on the right path.
57. What did Sergei do before Lushkoff left?
Sergei kindly tapped Lushkoff on the shoulder and even gave him his hand at
parting.
58. What did Lushkoff take from Sergei?
Lushkoff took the letter that Sergei had given him for his friend to obtain
copying work.
59. From when did Lushkoff stop coming to Sergei's yard?
Lushkoff stopped coming to Sergei's yard for work from the day he received the
letter for copying employment.
60. What does Part II show about Lushkoff's condition?
Part II shows Lushkoff gradually moving from drunkenness and weakness toward
sobriety, regular work, and a more respectable occupation.
61. What role does Olga play in Part II?
Olga supervises Lushkoff's work, scolds him for his weakness, and ultimately
performs the wood-chopping that he cannot accomplish.
62. What does Sergei initially believe about Lushkoff's improvement?
Sergei believes that his own advice, work opportunities, and encouragement have
helped Lushkoff begin changing his life.
63. What important opportunity does Sergei finally give Lushkoff?
Sergei finally gives Lushkoff an opportunity for cleaner employment by
arranging copying work through one of his friends.
64. What is significant about Lushkoff's becoming sober?
Lushkoff's sobriety suggests that he is beginning to overcome his former
drinking problem and move towards a more stable life.
65. What does Lushkoff's acceptance of copying work suggest?
His acceptance of copying work suggests that he is gradually moving away from
begging and menial labour toward respectable employment.
66. Why is the offer of copying work important?
The copying work offers Lushkoff a cleaner and more respectable means of
earning a living through his ability to write.
67. What change in Lushkoff's behaviour does Sergei observe?
Sergei observes that Lushkoff has become sober and no longer objects to
working, suggesting the beginning of moral improvement.
68. What does Sergei hope his help will accomplish?
Sergei hopes that his guidance and employment opportunities will place Lushkoff
on the right path and help him reform.
69. What does Lushkoff's silence and gloom during the move suggest?
His silence and gloom suggest that he remains physically weak, emotionally
troubled, and ashamed despite becoming sober.
70. Why is the ending of Part II important?
The ending shows Lushkoff leaving with an opportunity for respectable
employment, preparing for the transformation revealed later in the story.
MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
1. Whom did Sergei call out of the kitchen?
A. His servant
B. His friend
C. His cook, Olga
D. The police officer
Ans. C. His cook, Olga
2. What did Sergei ask Olga to do?
A. Give the beggar food
B. Take the beggar to the woodshed
C. Send the beggar away
D. Give the beggar money
Ans. B. Take the beggar to the woodshed
3. What work was the beggar asked to do?
A. Shovel snow
B. Carry furniture
C. Chop wood
D. Copy letters
Ans. C. Chop wood
4. How did the beggar react when Olga took him to the woodshed?
A. He happily followed her
B. He ran away
C. He followed her irresolutely
D. He became angry
Ans. C. He followed her irresolutely
5. Why did the beggar agree to chop wood?
A. He was eager to earn money
B. He was hungry and wanted food
C. Pride and shame prevented him from withdrawing his words
D. Olga forced him immediately
Ans. C. Pride and shame prevented him from withdrawing his words
6. What had undermined the beggar's strength?
A. Hard work
B. Illness alone
C. Vodka
D. Hunger alone
Ans. C. Vodka
7. What was the beggar's physical condition?
A. Healthy and strong
B. Unhealthy and weak
C. Athletic and energetic
D. Completely recovered
Ans. B. Unhealthy and weak
8. What did the beggar lack when it came to work?
A. Skill
B. Money
C. The slightest inclination for toil
D. Knowledge
Ans. C. The slightest inclination for toil
9. Where did Sergei go after sending Olga with the beggar?
A. The kitchen
B. The dining room
C. The bedroom
D. The street
Ans. B. The dining room
10. From where could Sergei observe the woodshed?
A. The kitchen
B. The bedroom
C. The dining-room windows
D. The front door
Ans. C. The dining-room windows
11. Through which door did Olga and the beggar come into the yard?
A. Front door
B. Side door
C. Back door
D. Kitchen door
Ans. C. Back door
12. What kind of snow lay in the yard?
A. Fresh snow
B. Clean snow
C. Dirty snow
D. Melting snow
Ans. C. Dirty snow
13. How did Olga look at the beggar?
A. Kindly
B. Sadly
C. Wrathfully
D. Indifferently
Ans. C. Wrathfully
14. What did Olga do with her elbow?
A. Hit Sergei
B. Shoved the beggar aside
C. Opened the door
D. Lifted the axe
Ans. B. Shoved the beggar aside
15. What did Olga unlock?
A. The house
B. The kitchen
C. The woodshed
D. The gate
Ans. C. The woodshed
16. How did Olga close the shed door?
A. Quietly
B. Carefully
C. Angrily
D. Gently
Ans. C. Angrily
17. Who was referred to as the “pseudo-teacher”?
A. Sergei
B. Olga
C. Lushkoff
D. The carter
Ans. C. Lushkoff
18. Where did the pseudo-teacher seat himself?
A. On a chair
B. On a bench
C. On a log
D. On the floor
Ans. C. On a log
19. What did Lushkoff rest his red cheeks on?
A. The axe
B. His fists
C. His knees
D. The log
Ans. B. His fists
20. What did Olga fling down at Lushkoff's feet?
A. A shovel
B. A piece of wood
C. An axe
D. A rope
Ans. C. An axe
21. What did Olga begin to do after throwing down the axe?
A. Sing
B. Laugh
C. Scold Lushkoff
D. Leave the shed
Ans. C. Scold Lushkoff
22. How did Lushkoff pull the billet of wood?
A. Energetically
B. Irresolutely
C. Angrily
D. Quickly
Ans. B. Irresolutely
23. Where did Lushkoff set the billet of wood?
A. Against the wall
B. On the ground
C. Between his feet
D. On the log
Ans. C. Between his feet
24. How did Lushkoff strike the billet?
A. Powerfully
B. Repeatedly and quickly
C. Feebly
D. Angrily
Ans. C. Feebly
25. What happened to the billet when Lushkoff first struck it?
A. It split immediately
B. It caught fire
C. It wavered and fell down
D. It broke the axe
Ans. C. It wavered and fell down
26. What did Lushkoff do to his freezing hands?
A. Rubbed them with snow
B. Blew on them
C. Put them in his pockets
D. Washed them
Ans. B. Blew on them
27. Why did Lushkoff tap the wood cautiously?
A. He was afraid of breaking the axe
B. He feared hitting his overshoe or cutting his finger
C. He wanted to save the wood
D. Olga had ordered him to be careful
Ans. B. He feared hitting his overshoe or cutting his finger
28. What happened to the stick of wood again?
A. It split
B. It burned
C. It fell to the ground
D. It disappeared
Ans. C. It fell to the ground
29. What happened to Sergei's anger?
A. It increased
B. It disappeared
C. It turned into laughter
D. It remained unchanged
Ans. B. It disappeared
30. Why did Sergei begin to feel sorry?
A. Olga had insulted him
B. Lushkoff had stolen something
C. Lushkoff was weak and possibly sick
D. The wood was insufficient
Ans. C. Lushkoff was weak and possibly sick
31. Why did Sergei feel ashamed of himself?
A. He had lied to Lushkoff
B. He had set a weak, drunken man to menial labour in the cold
C. He had refused to pay Lushkoff
D. He had called the police
Ans. B. He had set a weak, drunken man to menial labour in the cold
32. How long later did Olga return?
A. Half an hour later
B. One hour later
C. Two hours later
D. The next day
Ans. B. One hour later
33. What did Olga announce?
A. Lushkoff had left
B. The shed was locked
C. The wood had all been chopped
D. Sergei had been called
Ans. C. The wood had all been chopped
34. How much did Sergei order Olga to give Lushkoff?
A. Twenty copecks
B. Forty copecks
C. Half a rouble
D. One rouble
Ans. C. Half a rouble
35. When could Lushkoff return to chop wood?
A. Every Sunday
B. Every week
C. On the first day of each month
D. Every evening
Ans. C. On the first day of each month
36. What did Sergei say about work for Lushkoff?
A. There was no work for him
B. They could always find work for him
C. He should find work elsewhere
D. He should return to teaching
Ans. B. They could always find work for him
37. How much did Lushkoff earn on his next visit?
A. Twenty copecks
B. Thirty copecks
C. Half a rouble
D. One rouble
Ans. C. Half a rouble
38. What could Lushkoff barely do on his legs?
A. Walk quickly
B. Stand
C. Run
D. Jump
Ans. B. Stand
39. Which of these jobs did Lushkoff perform later?
A. Teaching children
B. Shovelling snow
C. Singing in a choir
D. Working as an advocate
Ans. B. Shovelling snow
40. What did Lushkoff do to the woodshed?
A. Painted it
B. Repaired it
C. Put it in order
D. Destroyed it
Ans. C. Put it in order
41. What did Lushkoff beat dust out of?
A. Curtains and carpets
B. Rugs and mattresses
C. Clothes and shoes
D. Books and papers
Ans. B. Rugs and mattresses
42. How much did Lushkoff usually receive for his work?
A. Five to ten copecks
B. Ten to fifteen copecks
C. Twenty to forty copecks
D. Fifty to sixty copecks
Ans. C. Twenty to forty copecks
43. What was once given to Lushkoff besides money?
A. A coat
B. A pair of old trousers
C. A pair of shoes
D. A hat
Ans. B. A pair of old trousers
44. Where did Sergei move?
A. To another village
B. To another country
C. Into another house
D. Into a hotel
Ans. C. Into another house
45. What work did Sergei hire Lushkoff to do during the move?
A. Cooking and cleaning
B. Packing and hauling furniture
C. Teaching and writing
D. Shovelling snow
Ans. B. Packing and hauling furniture
46. How was Lushkoff during the move?
A. Drunken and cheerful
B. Sober, gloomy, and silent
C. Angry and violent
D. Happy and energetic
Ans. B. Sober, gloomy, and silent
47. How much furniture did Lushkoff actually handle?
A. All of it
B. Most of it
C. Hardly any
D. Half of it
Ans. C. Hardly any
48. How did Lushkoff walk behind the wagons?
A. Laughing loudly
B. Singing happily
C. Hanging his head
D. Running quickly
Ans. C. Hanging his head
49. What did Lushkoff not even pretend to do?
A. Speak
B. Appear busy
C. Carry furniture
D. Listen to Sergei
Ans. B. Appear busy
50. Why did Lushkoff become embarrassed?
A. Sergei shouted at him
B. The carters jeered at him
C. Olga scolded him
D. He lost his money
Ans. B. The carters jeered at him
51. What did the carters jeer at Lushkoff for?
A. His dishonesty
B. His drunkenness only
C. His idleness, feebleness, and tattered overcoat
D. His inability to read
Ans. C. His idleness, feebleness, and tattered overcoat
52. What did Sergei do after the moving was over?
A. Sent Lushkoff away
B. Sent for Lushkoff
C. Called Olga
D. Called the police
Ans. B. Sent for Lushkoff
53. What did Sergei give Lushkoff for his pains?
A. Half a rouble
B. Forty copecks
C. One rouble
D. Two roubles
Ans. C. One rouble
54. What did Sergei notice about Lushkoff?
A. He was still drunk
B. He was sober
C. He was angry
D. He was dishonest again
Ans. B. He was sober
55. What did Sergei ask Lushkoff about?
A. His family
B. His education
C. His name
D. His village
Ans. C. His name
56. What was the beggar's name?
A. Sergei
B. Olga
C. Lushkoff
D. Kaluga
Ans. C. Lushkoff
57. What kind of employment did Sergei offer Lushkoff?
A. Cleaner employment
B. Farming employment
C. Military employment
D. Teaching employment
Ans. A. Cleaner employment
58. What did Sergei ask Lushkoff if he could do?
A. Sing
B. Read
C. Write
D. Teach
Ans. C. Write
59. What did Lushkoff answer when asked whether he could write?
A. “I cannot.”
B. “Perhaps.”
C. “I can.”
D. “I used to.”
Ans. C. “I can.”
60. What did Sergei ask Lushkoff to take to his friend?
A. A package
B. A letter
C. An axe
D. A rouble
Ans. B. A letter
61. When was Lushkoff asked to take the letter?
A. That evening
B. The next week
C. The following day
D. After a month
Ans. C. The following day
62. What work would Lushkoff receive through Sergei's friend?
A. Wood-chopping
B. Copying
C. Teaching
D. Singing
Ans. B. Copying
63. What did Sergei advise Lushkoff to do?
A. Beg more effectively
B. Work hard
C. Return to singing
D. Travel to Kaluga
Ans. B. Work hard
64. What did Sergei tell Lushkoff not to do?
A. Write
B. Work
C. Drink
D. Travel
Ans. C. Drink
65. What did Sergei ask Lushkoff to remember?
A. His old profession
B. Sergei's advice
C. Olga's name
D. His former lies
Ans. B. Sergei's advice
66. Why was Sergei pleased with himself?
A. He had earned money
B. He believed he had put Lushkoff on the right path
C. He had found a new house
D. He had punished Lushkoff
Ans. B. He believed he had put Lushkoff on the right path
67. How did Sergei show kindness to Lushkoff at parting?
A. He gave him food
B. He tapped his shoulder and gave him his hand
C. He gave him new clothes
D. He invited him to dinner
Ans. B. He tapped his shoulder and gave him his hand
68. What did Lushkoff take with him when he left?
A. An axe
B. A pair of trousers
C. The letter
D. A rouble
Ans. C. The letter
69. What did Lushkoff stop doing after receiving the letter?
A. Drinking
B. Writing
C. Coming to Sergei's yard for work
D. Going to the theatre
Ans. C. Coming to Sergei's yard for work
70. What does Part II mainly show?
A. Sergei's wealth
B. Lushkoff's gradual movement from begging towards respectable employment
C. Olga's hatred of Lushkoff
D. The difficulties of travelling to Kaluga
Ans. B. Lushkoff's gradual movement from begging towards respectable
employment
71. Which character supervises Lushkoff's wood-chopping?
A. Sergei
B. Olga
C. The carter
D. The police officer
Ans. B. Olga
72. What does Lushkoff's inability to chop wood reveal?
A. He is lazy but physically strong
B. He is extremely weak and unhealthy
C. He has never seen wood
D. He dislikes Sergei personally
Ans. B. He is extremely weak and unhealthy
73. What does Sergei initially believe has helped Lushkoff change?
A. Olga's money
B. His own words and employment opportunities
C. The police
D. The theatre
Ans. B. His own words and employment opportunities
74. What does Sergei's offer of copying work represent?
A. A return to begging
B. A step toward respectable employment
C. A punishment for lying
D. A temporary holiday
Ans. B. A step toward respectable employment
75. Which quality does Sergei encourage in Lushkoff?
A. Dishonesty
B. Laziness
C. Hard work
D. Pride
Ans. C. Hard work
76. Which harmful habit does Sergei specifically ask Lushkoff to abandon?
A. Smoking
B. Gambling
C. Drinking
D. Travelling
Ans. C. Drinking
77. What does the letter symbolize at the end of Part II?
A. Lushkoff's return to begging
B. A new opportunity for respectable work
C. Sergei's anger
D. Olga's punishment
Ans. B. A new opportunity for respectable work
78. Which word best describes Sergei's attitude towards Lushkoff by the end
of Part II?
A. Cruel
B. Supportive
C. Indifferent
D. Fearful
Ans. B. Supportive
79. Which word best describes Lushkoff during the house move?
A. Energetic
B. Sober
C. Cheerful
D. Aggressive
Ans. B. Sober
80. What does Lushkoff's departure from Sergei's yard suggest?
A. He has found a new opportunity
B. He has become a thief
C. He has returned to drunkenness
D. He has rejected all work
Ans. A. He has found a new opportunity
PART III
“Two years went by. Then one evening, as
Sergei was standing at the ticket window of a theatre paying for his seat ……………
‘there goes the bell.’ Lushkoff bowed and departed to the gallery.”
Glossary/ A list of
difficult words and their meanings/ କଠିନ ଓ ସେମାନଙ୍କର ଅର୍ଥର ତାଲିକା
Ticket window (ଟିକେଟ୍ ୱିଣ୍ଡୋ) : A
window/counter where tickets are sold; ଟିକେଟ୍ ବିକ୍ରି କରାଯାଉଥିବା ଜାନଲା/କାଉଣ୍ଟର୍
Theatre (ଥିଅଟର୍) : A place
where plays or performances are shown; ନାଟ୍ୟଗୃହ
Gallery (ଗ୍ୟାଲେରି) : The
upper and usually cheaper seating area of a theatre; ନାଟ୍ୟଗୃହର ଉପର ଓ ସାଧାରଣତଃ ଶସ୍ତା ଆସନ ଅଞ୍ଚଳ
Copper coins (କପର୍ କଏନ୍ଜ୍) : Coins made of copper or of low value; ତମ୍ବାର ମୁଦ୍ରା
Curly fur (କର୍ଲି ଫର୍) : Fur with curled hair; କୁଞ୍ଚିତ ଲୋମଯୁକ୍ତ ପଶୁଚର୍ମ
Sealskin (ସିଲ୍ସ୍କିନ୍) : The
skin or fur of a seal; ସିଲ୍ ନାମକ ସାମୁଦ୍ରିକ ପ୍ରାଣୀର ଚର୍ମ
Timidly (ଟିମିଡ୍ଲି) : Shyly
or nervously; ଲାଜୁକ ଭାବରେ, ଭୟଭୀତ ଭାବରେ
Notary (ନୋଟାରି) : A
person legally authorized to certify documents; ଦଲିଲପତ୍ର ପ୍ରମାଣିତ କରିବାକୁ ଅଧିକୃତ ବ୍ୟକ୍ତି
Rouble (ରୁବଲ୍) : The
monetary unit of Russia; ରୁଷିଆର ମୁଦ୍ରା ଏକକ
Thank Heaven (ଥ୍ୟାଙ୍କ୍ ହେଭେନ୍) : An expression of relief or gratitude; ଈଶ୍ୱରଙ୍କୁ ଧନ୍ୟବାଦ
For your sake (ଫର୍ ୟୋର୍ ସେକ୍) : For your benefit or happiness; ତୁମର ମଙ୍ଗଳ ବା ସୁଖ ପାଇଁ
Godson (ଗଡ୍ସନ୍) : A boy
or man for whom another person is a godparent; ଧର୍ମପିତା/ଧର୍ମମାତାଙ୍କ ଦାୟିତ୍ୱରେ ଥିବା ପୁଅ
Give a push along the right path (ଗିଭ୍ ଅ ପୁଶ୍ ଅଲଙ୍ଗ୍ ଦ ରାଇଟ୍ ପାଥ୍) : Help someone to improve and live properly; ଉନ୍ନତି କରିବା ଓ ସଠିକ୍ ଭାବରେ ଜୀବନଯାପନ କରିବାରେ ସାହାଯ୍ୟ କରିବା
Roasting (ରୋଷ୍ଟିଙ୍ଗ୍) : Severe
scolding or criticism; କଠୋର ଭର୍ତ୍ସନା ବା ଗାଳି
To this day (ଟୁ ଦିସ୍ ଡେ) : Until the present time; ଆଜି ପର୍ଯ୍ୟନ୍ତ
Pit (ପିଟ୍) : A very
difficult or degraded condition; ଦୁର୍ଦ୍ଦଶାପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ ବା ଅଧୋଗତିର ଅବସ୍ଥା
Protection (ପ୍ରଟେକ୍ସନ୍) : Help,
support or shelter from harm; ସୁରକ୍ଷା, ସାହାଯ୍ୟ
Sot (ସଟ୍) : A
habitual drunkard; ଅଭ୍ୟାସଗତ ମଦ୍ୟପ
Miserable creature (ମିଜରେବଲ୍ କ୍ରିଚର୍) : A
person in a wretched or pitiable condition; ଦୁର୍ଦ୍ଦଶାଗ୍ରସ୍ତ ବା ଦୟନୀୟ ବ୍ୟକ୍ତି
Ruin (ରୁଇନ୍) :
Complete destruction or downfall; ସର୍ବନାଶ, ଅଧୋଗତି
World to come (ୱର୍ଲ୍ଡ୍ ଟୁ କମ୍) : The life believed to exist after death; ପରଲୋକ
Carry on (କ୍ୟାରି ଅନ୍) : Continue doing something; ଚାଲୁ ରଖିବା
In that strain (ଇନ୍ ଦ୍ୟାଟ୍ ଷ୍ଟ୍ରେନ୍) : In that manner or style; ସେହି ପ୍ରକାରରେ
Misery (ମିଜରି) : Great
suffering or unhappiness; ଦୁଃଖ, ଦୁର୍ଦ୍ଦଶା
For my sake (ଫର୍ ମାଇ ସେକ୍) : For my benefit; ମୋ ପାଇଁ, ମୋର ମଙ୍ଗଳ ପାଇଁ
Chief (ଚିଫ୍) : Most
important; ପ୍ରଧାନ, ମୁଖ୍ୟ
Stick of wood (ଷ୍ଟିକ୍ ଅଫ୍ ଉଡ୍) : A small piece of wood; କାଠର ଛୋଟ ଖଣ୍ଡ
At the sight of (ଆଟ୍ ଦ ସାଇଟ୍ ଅଫ୍) : When
seeing someone or something; କାହାକୁ ବା କିଛିକୁ ଦେଖିବାମାତ୍ରେ
Owing to (ଓଇଙ୍ଗ୍ ଟୁ) : Because of; କାରଣରୁ
Take place (ଟେକ୍ ପ୍ଲେସ୍) : Happen; ଘଟିବା
Set someone right (ସେଟ୍ ସମୱାନ୍ ରାଇଟ୍) : Correct someone's behaviour or way of
life; କାହାରି ଆଚରଣ ବା ଜୀବନପଥକୁ ସଠିକ୍ କରିଦେବା
Indebted (ଇନ୍ଡେଟିଡ୍) :
Grateful because of help received; କୃତଜ୍ଞ, ଋଣୀ
To my dying day (ଟୁ ମାଇ ଡାଇଇଙ୍ଗ୍ ଡେ) : Until
the day I die; ମୃତ୍ୟୁ ପର୍ଯ୍ୟନ୍ତ
There goes the bell (ଦେଆର୍ ଗୋଜ୍ ଦ ବେଲ୍) : The bell is ringing now; ଘଣ୍ଟି ବାଜୁଛି
Bow (ବାଉ) : Bend
the head or body as a sign of respect; ସମ୍ମାନରେ ମୁଣ୍ଡ ନୁଆଇବା
Depart (ଡିପାର୍ଟ୍) : Leave
or go away; ଚାଲିଯିବା, ପ୍ରସ୍ଥାନ କରିବା
SUMMARY
Paragraph 13
English Summary:
Two years later, Sergei meets Lushkoff at a theatre. Lushkoff is now a notary
earning thirty-five roubles a month. Sergei is extremely happy and believes
that he had given Lushkoff a push along the right path.
ଓଡ଼ିଆ ସାରାଂଶ:
ଦୁଇ ବର୍ଷ ପରେ ସେର୍ଜେଇ ଏକ ଥିଏଟରରେ ଲୁଷ୍କଫ୍କୁ ଭେଟେ। ଏବେ ଲୁଷ୍କଫ୍ ଜଣେ ନୋଟାରୀ ହୋଇଛି ଏବଂ ମାସକୁ ପଞ୍ଚତିରିଶ ରୁବଲ୍ ଦରମା ପାଉଛି। ସେର୍ଜେଇ ଅତ୍ୟନ୍ତ ଖୁସି ହୁଏ ଏବଂ ଭାବେ ଯେ ସେ ଲୁଷ୍କଫ୍କୁ ସଠିକ୍ ପଥ ଆଡ଼କୁ ଆଗେଇବାରେ ସାହାଯ୍ୟ କରିଥିଲା।
Paragraph 14
English Summary:
Lushkoff thanks Sergei but reveals an important truth. Sergei's words and help
were important, but Olga was the person who truly saved him. Whenever he came
to chop wood, she would scold him, pity him and weep over his miserable
condition. Most importantly, she actually chopped the wood for him.
ଓଡ଼ିଆ ସାରାଂଶ:
ଲୁଷ୍କଫ୍ ସେର୍ଜେଇଙ୍କୁ ଧନ୍ୟବାଦ ଦିଏ, କିନ୍ତୁ ଏକ ଗୁରୁତ୍ୱପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ ସତ୍ୟ ପ୍ରକାଶ କରେ। ସେର୍ଜେଇଙ୍କ କଥା ଓ ସାହାଯ୍ୟ ଗୁରୁତ୍ୱପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ ଥିଲେ ମଧ୍ୟ ପ୍ରକୃତରେ ଓଲ୍ଗା ହିଁ ତାକୁ ବଞ୍ଚାଇଥିଲେ। ସେ କାଠ କାଟିବାକୁ ଆସିଲେ ଓଲ୍ଗା ତାକୁ ଗାଳି ଦେଉଥିଲେ, ତା’ର ଦୁର୍ଦ୍ଦଶା ପାଇଁ ଦୁଃଖ କରୁଥିଲେ ଏବଂ କାନ୍ଦୁଥିଲେ। ସବୁଠାରୁ ମୁଖ୍ୟ କଥା ହେଲା, ସେ ନିଜେ ଲୁଷ୍କଫ୍ର କାଠ କାଟିଦେଉଥିଲେ।
Paragraph 15
English Summary:
Lushkoff explains that Olga's words and noble deeds changed him. Her compassion
and tears made him realize his miserable condition and helped him stop
drinking. He admits that he did not chop even a single stick of wood for
Sergei; Olga did it all. Her words and noble deeds brought about a change in
his heart, set him right and helped him change his life.
ଓଡ଼ିଆ ସାରାଂଶ:
ଲୁଷ୍କଫ୍ ବ୍ୟାଖ୍ୟା କରେ ଯେ ଓଲ୍ଗାଙ୍କ କଥା ଓ ମହତ୍ କାର୍ଯ୍ୟ ତା’ର ଜୀବନକୁ ବଦଳାଇଦେଇଥିଲା। ତାଙ୍କର ସହାନୁଭୂତି ଓ ଲୁହ ଲୁଷ୍କଫ୍କୁ ନିଜର ଦୁର୍ଦ୍ଦଶା ବିଷୟରେ ଅନୁଭବ କରାଇଥିଲା ଏବଂ ମଦ୍ୟପାନ ଛାଡ଼ିବାରେ ସାହାଯ୍ୟ କରିଥିଲା। ସେ ସ୍ୱୀକାର କରେ ଯେ ସେ ସେର୍ଜେଇଙ୍କ ପାଇଁ ଗୋଟିଏ କାଠଖଣ୍ଡ ମଧ୍ୟ କାଟିନଥିଲା; ଓଲ୍ଗା ହିଁ ସବୁ କାଠ କାଟିଥିଲେ। ତାଙ୍କ କଥା ଓ ମହତ୍ କାର୍ଯ୍ୟ ଲୁଷ୍କଫ୍ର ହୃଦୟରେ ପରିବର୍ତ୍ତନ ଆଣି ତାକୁ ସଠିକ୍ ପଥରେ ନେଇଥିଲା ଏବଂ ତା’ର ଜୀବନ ବଦଳାଇବାରେ ସାହାଯ୍ୟ କରିଥିଲା।
Paragraph 16
English Summary:
Lushkoff bows to Sergei and leaves for the gallery. The ending emphasizes the
power of compassion and noble deeds. Although Sergei gave Lushkoff
opportunities to work and encouraged him to change, Olga's compassion, tears
and selfless actions were the decisive forces that brought about his
transformation.
ଓଡ଼ିଆ ସାରାଂଶ:
ଲୁଷ୍କଫ୍ ସେର୍ଜେଇଙ୍କୁ ପ୍ରଣାମ କରି ଥିଏଟରର ଗ୍ୟାଲେରୀକୁ ଚାଲିଯାଏ। ଗଳ୍ପର ଶେଷ ଭାଗରେ ଦୟା, ସହାନୁଭୂତି ଓ ମହତ୍ କାର୍ଯ୍ୟର ଶକ୍ତିକୁ ଗୁରୁତ୍ୱ ଦିଆଯାଇଛି। ସେର୍ଜେଇ ଲୁଷ୍କଫ୍କୁ କାମର ସୁଯୋଗ ଦେଇଥିଲେ ଏବଂ ପରିବର୍ତ୍ତନ ପାଇଁ ଉତ୍ସାହିତ କରିଥିଲେ, କିନ୍ତୁ ଓଲ୍ଗାଙ୍କ ଦୟା, ଲୁହ ଓ ନିଃସ୍ୱାର୍ଥ କାର୍ଯ୍ୟ ହିଁ ତା’ର ପରିବର୍ତ୍ତନର ନିର୍ଣ୍ଣାୟକ କାରଣ ଥିଲା।
Textual Comprehension Check
1. When and where did Sergei meet Lushkoff? How was Lushkoff dressed?
Sergei met Lushkoff two years later at a theatre ticket window. Lushkoff
was dressed like a respectable gentleman. He wore a shabby but
decent-looking coat with a curly fur collar and a worn sealskin cap.
2. What work did Lushkoff do then? How much salary did he get every
month?
Lushkoff was working as a notary's copying clerk. He earned thirty-five
roubles a month.
3. Did Sergei become happy to see the beggar in a different form? How do
you know this?
Yes, Sergei was very happy to see Lushkoff changed into a respectable and
honest man. He was pleased that Lushkoff had given up begging and was earning
his living through honest work. He also felt proud that his advice had
apparently helped Lushkoff change his life.
4. Was Lushkoff very grateful to Sergei? Which statement(s) say so?
Yes, Lushkoff was extremely grateful to Sergei. He said that Sergei's words
and deeds had changed his life and that he owed his present position to
him. He repeatedly thanked Sergei and acknowledged that Sergei had shown him
the way to honest work.
5. Who really saved and changed the beggar's life and how?
Olga, Sergei's cook, really saved and changed Lushkoff's life. Whenever
Lushkoff came to work, Olga would scold him for drinking and his miserable
condition. However, she also felt deep pity for him. She would chop the wood
herself while pretending that Lushkoff was doing it. Her kindness, sympathy and
silent sacrifice touched Lushkoff deeply. This made him ashamed of his
behaviour and encouraged him to give up drinking and lead an honest life.
6. What made the beggar stop drinking?
Lushkoff stopped drinking because of Olga's kindness, compassion and
selfless help. Her tears and sincere concern touched his heart. Although
she scolded him, she secretly did his work for him. This awakened a sense of
shame and gratitude in him and gradually helped him overcome his drinking
habit.
7. Which character in the story do you like most? Support your answer
with suitable reasons.
I like Olga the most. She was compassionate, selfless and genuinely
concerned about Lushkoff's welfare. She did not merely feel sorry for him; she
actually helped him by doing his difficult work herself. Her kindness and tears
touched Lushkoff's heart and helped him give up drinking and become an honest
man. Thus, Olga played the most important role in transforming his life.
D. Writing
Answer the following questions in about fifty words each.
1. Who were Sergei and Lushkoff? Describe their first meeting.
Sergei was a kind and respectable advocate, while Lushkoff was a poor beggar
and a former singer. They first met when Lushkoff begged Sergei for money,
claiming that he had been a village schoolmaster. Sergei recognised his lies
and warned him against begging. He then offered Lushkoff work instead of money.
2. Did Lushkoff become a beggar by circumstances or by choice? What
reasons did the beggar give to Sergei for telling lies?
Lushkoff became a beggar mainly by choice. He had once been a singer but had
lost his job because of drinking. He lied to people because he feared that
telling the truth would bring him nothing. He thought people would be more
sympathetic if he pretended to be a teacher or student.
3. Why did Lushkoff agree to chop wood? What were the other things
Lushkoff had to do?
Lushkoff agreed to chop wood because he needed money and Sergei refused to give
him alms without work. Though he was weak and unwilling, he accepted the job.
Later, he did other odd jobs for Sergei, such as shovelling snow, chopping
wood, sweeping the yard and beating carpets.
4. Collect information about Sergei's cook and write a short paragraph.
Olga was Sergei's cook and a kind-hearted, compassionate woman. She felt great
pity for Lushkoff when she saw his miserable condition. Although she scolded
him for drinking and begging, she secretly did his work for him. Her tears,
sympathy and selfless kindness deeply touched Lushkoff and helped transform his
life.
5. What made the beggar change his way of life?
Lushkoff changed his way of life mainly because of Olga's kindness and
compassion. She secretly did his difficult work while scolding him for his
drinking and begging. Her tears and selfless concern made him ashamed of
himself. Gradually, he stopped drinking, abandoned begging and began earning an
honest living.
6. Which character do you like most and why?
I like Olga most because she was kind, compassionate and selfless. She did not
merely pity Lushkoff but actually helped him when he was helpless. She did his
work secretly and encouraged him to change. Her sincere concern and sacrifice
helped Lushkoff give up drinking and become an honest man.
7. Write a short paragraph suggesting some ways for abolishing the
practice of begging in our country.
The practice of begging can be reduced by providing education, vocational
training and employment opportunities to poor people. Government and voluntary
organisations should establish shelters and rehabilitation centres for homeless
people. Children should be protected from forced begging and given proper
education. Public awareness should also discourage indiscriminate giving of
alms.
E. Activity
Activity – 1
Read the statements and write the names of the persons who said them.
a) “She set me right and I shall never forget it.” — Lushkoff
b) “For three days I have had nothing to eat.” — Lushkoff
c) “I only know that, owing to her words and noble deeds, a change took place
in my heart.” — Lushkoff
d) “I shall send the police for you.” — Sergei
e) “Well, I am happy that my words have taken effect.” — Sergei
f) “Help me kindly. I am ashamed to ask, but I am obliged by circumstances.” — Lushkoff
g) “Work! That's what you can do! You must work!” — Sergei
h) “No one will give me anything when I tell the truth.” — Lushkoff
i) “Work hard, don't drink, and remember what I have said to you.” — Sergei
j) “Thank you for your kind words and deeds.” — Lushkoff
k) “I am delighted for your sake.” — Sergei
l) “How are you? What are you doing? How is everything with you?” — Sergei
Activity–II
Arrange the following statements in the proper order as they are used in
the story.
1.
(b) For three days I have had nothing to eat.
2.
(f) Help me kindly: I am ashamed to ask, but I am obliged by circumstance.
3.
(h) No one will give me anything when I tell the truth.
4.
(d) I shall send the police for you.
5.
(g) Work! That's what you can do! You must work!
6.
(e) Well, I am happy that my words have taken effect.
7.
(i) Work hard, don't drink, and remember what I have said to you.
8.
(l) How are you? What are you doing? How is everything with you?
9.
(k) I am delighted for your sake.
10. (j) Thank you for your kind words and deeds.
11. (c) I only know that, owing to her words and
noble deeds, a change took place in my heart.
12. (a) She set me right and I shall never forget it.
Answer in short:
b → f → h → d → g → e → i → l → k → j → c → a
Activity – III:
The Completed Flow Chart
The beggar requested the advocate for money.
The advocate asked the beggar to chop wood.
The advocate offered the beggar another job of copying.
The advocate met Lushkoff after two years.
The beggar owed a lot to the cook.
The beggar told him every evening about his change.
On the first of every month, the beggar.
Activity – IV
Read the story and fill in the blanks in the table with information
about the characters.
|
Name |
Physical appearance |
Profession |
Dress |
Quality |
Work |
||||||
|
Sergei |
Not specifically described in detail |
Advocate |
Not specifically described |
Kind, strict, helpful, practical |
Helps Lushkoff by giving him work and later recommending him for
copying work |
||||||
|
Lushkoff |
Thin, weak, shabby; dull, drunken eyes; red spots on his cheeks; one
shoe high and the other low |
Initially a beggar; later a notary |
Initially ragged/tattered clothes; later a coat with a curly fur
collar and a worn sealskin cap |
Initially dishonest and addicted to drinking; later grateful, honest
and reformed |
Initially begs; later does odd jobs, then becomes a copying
clerk/notary |
|
Olga |
Her physical appearance is not specifically described in the
story |
Sergei's cook |
Not specifically described |
Compassionate, kind-hearted, selfless and caring |
Cooks for Sergei; secretly chops Lushkoff's wood and thereby helps
reform him |
ONE-MARK QUESTIONS
1. How much time passed before Sergei met Lushkoff again?
Two years passed before Sergei met Lushkoff again at a theatre, where he
recognized him standing beside him at the ticket window.
2. Where was Sergei standing when he saw Lushkoff again?
Sergei was standing at the ticket window of a theatre, paying for his seat when
he noticed Lushkoff beside him.
3. What was Sergei doing at the theatre ticket window?
Sergei was paying for his seat at the theatre ticket window when he noticed a
little man standing beside him.
4. What did Sergei notice beside him at the theatre?
Sergei noticed a little man beside him wearing a curly-fur coat collar and a
worn sealskin cap.
5. How is Lushkoff described when Sergei sees him again?
Lushkoff is described as a little man wearing a coat with a curly-fur collar
and a worn sealskin cap.
6. What kind of coat collar was Lushkoff wearing?
Lushkoff was wearing a coat with a collar made of curly fur when Sergei
encountered him at the theatre.
7. What kind of cap was Lushkoff wearing?
Lushkoff was wearing a worn sealskin cap when Sergei recognized him at the
theatre.
8. How did Lushkoff ask the ticket seller for a seat?
Lushkoff timidly asked the ticket seller for a seat in the gallery and paid for
it with copper coins.
9. Where did Lushkoff ask for a seat?
Lushkoff timidly asked the ticket seller for a seat in the gallery at the
theatre.
10. What did Lushkoff use to pay for his theatre seat?
Lushkoff paid for his theatre seat with copper coins when he asked the ticket
seller for a gallery seat.
11. What did Sergei ask the little man after recognizing him?
Sergei asked Lushkoff how he was, what he was doing, and how everything was
going with him.
12. How did Sergei recognize the little man?
Sergei recognized the little man as his former wood-chopper and realized that
he was Lushkoff.
13. What was Lushkoff's present profession?
Lushkoff told Sergei that he was now a notary, indicating that he had obtained
respectable employment.
14. How much was Lushkoff paid as a notary?
Lushkoff said that he was paid thirty-five roubles a month as a notary.
15. How did Sergei react when he learned about Lushkoff's success?
Sergei thanked Heaven and expressed great happiness and delight at Lushkoff's
successful transformation.
16. Why did Sergei call Lushkoff his “godson, in a sense”?
Sergei called Lushkoff his “godson, in a sense” because he believed that he had
pushed him along the right path.
17. What did Sergei believe he had done for Lushkoff?
Sergei believed that he had given Lushkoff a push along the right path by
encouraging him to work honestly.
18. What does Sergei remind Lushkoff about his earlier treatment?
Sergei reminds Lushkoff of the severe scolding or “roasting” he had given him
during their first encounter.
19. What does Sergei mean by “what a roasting I gave you”?
Sergei refers to the severe reprimand he gave Lushkoff when he discovered that
the beggar had been lying.
20. What does Sergei thank Lushkoff for?
Sergei thanks Lushkoff for not forgetting his words and for remembering the
advice he had given him.
21. What does Lushkoff say might have happened without Sergei's help?
Lushkoff says he might still have been calling himself a teacher or a student
if he had not come to Sergei.
22. What two false identities does Lushkoff mention?
Lushkoff mentions that he might still have been calling himself either a
teacher or a student.
23. What does Lushkoff mean by “flying to your protection”?
By “flying to your protection,” Lushkoff means seeking Sergei's help, which
enabled him to escape his miserable condition.
24. What does Lushkoff say he dragged himself out of?
Lushkoff says that he dragged himself out of a pit, referring to his former
miserable and degraded condition.
25. How does Sergei respond to Lushkoff's statement?
Sergei responds that he is very glad, showing his happiness at Lushkoff's
successful transformation and improved circumstances.
26. Whom does Lushkoff thank besides Sergei?
Lushkoff thanks Sergei's cook, Olga, and praises her as a good and noble woman.
27. How does Lushkoff describe Olga?
Lushkoff describes Olga as a good and noble woman and expresses gratitude for
what she did for him.
28. What does Lushkoff say about his debt to Sergei?
Lushkoff says he will be indebted to Sergei to his dying day for his kind words
and deeds.
29. Whom does Lushkoff say actually saved him?
Lushkoff says that, strictly speaking, it was Sergei's cook, Olga, who saved
him.
30. What does Sergei ask after hearing Olga saved Lushkoff?
Sergei asks, “How is that?” because he wants Lushkoff to explain how Olga had
saved him.
31. What did Olga say to Lushkoff when he came to chop wood?
Olga called him a sot and miserable creature and warned him that there was
nothing ahead for him but ruin.
32. How did Olga behave after scolding Lushkoff?
After scolding him, Olga would sit opposite him, grow sad, look into his face,
and weep.
33. What did Olga call Lushkoff?
Olga called Lushkoff a sot, a miserable creature, an unlucky man, and a
drunkard during her emotional reproaches.
34. What did Olga say there was no pleasure for Lushkoff?
Olga said there was no pleasure for Lushkoff in this world and there would be
none in the world to come.
35. What did Olga predict would happen to Lushkoff?
Olga told Lushkoff that, as a drunkard, he would burn in hell.
36. What did Olga do while talking to Lushkoff?
Olga sat opposite Lushkoff, looked into his face, became sad, and wept over his
unhappy condition.
37. How did Olga feel about Lushkoff's condition?
Olga felt deep misery and compassion for Lushkoff and shed many tears because
of his unfortunate condition.
38. How many tears did Olga shed for Lushkoff?
The extract does not give a specific number; it emphasizes that Olga shed many
tears for Lushkoff's sake.
39. What was the “chief thing” Olga did for Lushkoff?
The chief thing Olga did was chop the wood for Lushkoff when he came to
Sergei's house to work.
40. Did Lushkoff chop any wood for Sergei?
No, Lushkoff admits that he did not chop one single stick of wood for Sergei;
Olga did all the chopping.
41. Who actually chopped the wood for Lushkoff?
Olga actually chopped the wood for Lushkoff whenever he came to Sergei's house
to perform the work.
42. What does Lushkoff say saved him?
Lushkoff says that Olga's words and noble deeds saved him and brought about a
change in his heart.
43. Why could Lushkoff not explain his transformation?
Lushkoff says he cannot explain why he changed or stopped drinking; he only
knows Olga's words and deeds changed him.
44. What happened to Lushkoff's heart?
According to Lushkoff, a change took place in his heart because of Olga's words
and noble deeds.
45. What made Lushkoff stop drinking?
Lushkoff says he stopped drinking at the sight of Olga, though he cannot fully
explain why her presence affected him.
46. What role did Olga's words play in Lushkoff's life?
Olga's words deeply affected Lushkoff and, together with her noble deeds,
brought about a change in his heart.
47. What role did Olga's noble deeds play in Lushkoff's transformation?
Olga's noble deeds, especially chopping his wood, touched Lushkoff deeply and
helped him stop drinking and change his life.
48. What does Lushkoff say he will never forget?
Lushkoff says he will never forget that Olga's words and noble deeds set him
right and changed his life.
49. What does Lushkoff mean by saying Olga “set me right”?
He means that Olga's compassion and noble actions helped him change his
behaviour, stop drinking, and move towards a better life.
50. What does Lushkoff say before leaving the theatre?
Lushkoff says that it is time to go because the bell is ringing, and then he
prepares to leave.
51. What did Lushkoff do before departing?
Lushkoff bowed to Sergei before departing for the gallery after explaining how
Olga had helped transform his life.
52. Where did Lushkoff go after saying goodbye to Sergei?
Lushkoff departed to the gallery after bowing to Sergei at the end of their
conversation.
53. What does the theatre setting reveal about Lushkoff's changed
circumstances?
The theatre setting shows that Lushkoff now has enough stability and income to
attend a performance as an ordinary member of society.
54. What contrast is shown between Lushkoff's past and present?
Lushkoff has changed from a dishonest, drunken beggar into a sober notary
earning thirty-five roubles a month.
55. What does Lushkoff's profession as a notary indicate?
His profession as a notary indicates that he has achieved respectable
employment and greatly improved his social and financial condition.
56. What does Lushkoff's monthly salary indicate?
His salary of thirty-five roubles a month indicates that he has achieved
financial stability compared with his former poverty.
57. What does Lushkoff's gratitude towards Olga reveal?
Lushkoff's gratitude reveals that Olga's compassion and sacrifices had a
profound effect on him and contributed greatly to his transformation.
58. What does Lushkoff's confession about the wood reveal?
His confession reveals that Olga, not Lushkoff, actually chopped the wood and
that her actions played a crucial role in reforming him.
59. What does Lushkoff's final statement reveal about Olga?
It reveals that Olga's compassion, tears, words, and selfless actions were the
real forces that helped transform Lushkoff's life.
60. What is the final action of Lushkoff in the extract?
Lushkoff bows to Sergei and departs to the theatre gallery after explaining how
Olga helped him change his life.
MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
1. How long after the earlier events did Sergei meet Lushkoff again?
A. One year
B. Two years
C. Three years
D. Four years
Ans. B. Two years
2. Where was Sergei when he noticed Lushkoff?
A. At a railway station
B. At a theatre ticket window
C. At a market
D. At a restaurant
Ans. B. At a theatre ticket window
3. What was Sergei doing at the theatre?
A. Buying food
B. Buying a newspaper
C. Paying for his seat
D. Meeting Olga
Ans. C. Paying for his seat
4. What did Sergei notice beside him?
A. A tall woman
B. A little man
C. A young student
D. A village teacher
Ans. B. A little man
5. What kind of collar did the little man's coat have?
A. Cotton collar
B. Silk collar
C. Curly-fur collar
D. Leather collar
Ans. C. Curly-fur collar
6. What kind of cap was the little man wearing?
A. A woollen cap
B. A worn sealskin cap
C. A military cap
D. A velvet cap
Ans. B. A worn sealskin cap
7. How did Lushkoff ask the ticket seller for a seat?
A. Angrily
B. Loudly
C. Timidly
D. Rudely
Ans. C. Timidly
8. Where did Lushkoff ask for a seat?
A. In the balcony
B. In the gallery
C. In the front row
D. In the box
Ans. B. In the gallery
9. What did Lushkoff use to pay for his seat?
A. Silver coins
B. A rouble
C. Copper coins
D. A banknote
Ans. C. Copper coins
10. Whom did Sergei recognize in the little man?
A. His former student
B. His former cook
C. His former wood-chopper
D. His former colleague
Ans. C. His former wood-chopper
11. What was the little man's name?
A. Sergei
B. Lushkoff
C. Kaluga
D. Olga
Ans. B. Lushkoff
12. What was Lushkoff's profession at that time?
A. Teacher
B. Wood-chopper
C. Notary
D. Advocate
Ans. C. Notary
13. How much did Lushkoff earn as a notary every month?
A. Twenty-five roubles
B. Thirty roubles
C. Thirty-five roubles
D. Forty roubles
Ans. C. Thirty-five roubles
14. How did Sergei react to Lushkoff's success?
A. He became jealous
B. He became angry
C. He was delighted
D. He remained silent
Ans. C. He was delighted
15. What did Sergei call Lushkoff “in a sense”?
A. His brother
B. His godson
C. His servant
D. His student
Ans. B. His godson
16. What did Sergei believe he had given Lushkoff?
A. Money
B. A house
C. A push along the right path
D. A permanent job
Ans. C. A push along the right path
17. What did Sergei remind Lushkoff about?
A. His old clothes
B. His former lies
C. The roasting he had given him
D. His theatre ticket
Ans. C. The roasting he had given him
18. What did Sergei thank Lushkoff for?
A. Giving him money
B. Not forgetting his words
C. Helping Olga
D. Buying a theatre ticket
Ans. B. Not forgetting his words
19. What did Lushkoff say he might still have been calling himself?
A. A lawyer or notary
B. A teacher or a student
C. A singer or actor
D. A cook or servant
Ans. B. A teacher or a student
20. What did Lushkoff say he had dragged himself out of?
A. A prison
B. A forest
C. A pit
D. A river
Ans. C. A pit
21. Whom did Lushkoff thank along with Sergei?
A. The ticket seller
B. Olga
C. The carters
D. His former teacher
Ans. B. Olga
22. How did Lushkoff describe Olga?
A. A clever and strict woman
B. A good and noble woman
C. A rich and proud woman
D. A quiet and timid woman
Ans. B. A good and noble woman
23. Who, according to Lushkoff, actually saved him?
A. Sergei
B. The ticket seller
C. Olga
D. His employer
Ans. C. Olga
24. What did Olga call Lushkoff when he came to chop wood?
A. A teacher
B. A sot
C. A student
D. A gentleman
Ans. B. A sot
25. What did Olga say was ahead of Lushkoff?
A. Success
B. Wealth
C. Ruin
D. Happiness
Ans. C. Ruin
26. What did Olga do after scolding Lushkoff?
A. She left the house
B. She sat opposite him and wept
C. She gave him money
D. She called Sergei
Ans. B. She sat opposite him and wept
27. What did Olga look at while weeping?
A. His clothes
B. His hands
C. His face
D. His shoes
Ans. C. His face
28. What did Olga say there would be for Lushkoff in the world to come?
A. Great happiness
B. No pleasure
C. Wealth
D. Success
Ans. B. No pleasure
29. What did Olga say would happen to Lushkoff because he was a drunkard?
A. He would be imprisoned
B. He would lose his job
C. He would burn in hell
D. He would become poor
Ans. C. He would burn in hell
30. How did Olga feel about Lushkoff's condition?
A. She felt amusement
B. She suffered misery
C. She felt hatred
D. She felt indifference
Ans. B. She suffered misery
31. What did Olga shed for Lushkoff's sake?
A. Blood
B. Tears
C. Sweat
D. Money
Ans. B. Tears
32. What was the chief thing Olga did for Lushkoff?
A. She gave him money
B. She found him a job
C. She chopped the wood for him
D. She bought him clothes
Ans. C. She chopped the wood for him
33. How much wood did Lushkoff himself chop for Sergei?
A. One stick
B. Two sticks
C. Half the wood
D. Not one single stick
Ans. D. Not one single stick
34. Who actually did all the wood-chopping?
A. Sergei
B. Lushkoff
C. Olga
D. The carters
Ans. C. Olga
35. Why did Lushkoff say he stopped drinking?
A. Sergei threatened him
B. He wanted to become rich
C. Olga's presence affected him
D. He found another job
Ans. C. Olga's presence affected him
36. What happened in Lushkoff's heart?
A. Hatred developed
B. A change took place
C. Fear developed
D. Nothing changed
Ans. B. A change took place
37. What caused the change in Lushkoff's heart?
A. Sergei's money
B. The theatre
C. Olga's words and noble deeds
D. The ticket seller's kindness
Ans. C. Olga's words and noble deeds
38. What did Lushkoff say Olga had done for him?
A. She had made him rich
B. She had set him right
C. She had employed him as a notary
D. She had taken him to the theatre
Ans. B. She had set him right
39. What did Lushkoff say he would never forget?
A. Sergei's house
B. Olga's words and deeds
C. The theatre ticket
D. His old coat
Ans. B. Olga's words and deeds
40. What did Lushkoff say at the end of the conversation?
A. He wanted another job
B. It was time to go
C. He wanted to meet Olga
D. He wanted to leave the theatre
Ans. B. It was time to go
41. What caused Lushkoff to say that it was time to go?
A. The ticket seller called him
B. Sergei asked him to leave
C. The bell rang
D. Olga arrived
Ans. C. The bell rang
42. What did Lushkoff do before departing?
A. Shook Sergei's hand
B. Gave Sergei money
C. Bowed
D. Called Olga
Ans. C. Bowed
43. Where did Lushkoff depart after speaking to Sergei?
A. To the stage
B. To the balcony
C. To the gallery
D. To the street
Ans. C. To the gallery
44. What does “flying to your protection” refer to in the extract?
A. Running away from Sergei
B. Seeking Sergei's help
C. Entering the theatre
D. Avoiding Olga
Ans. B. Seeking Sergei's help
45. What does Lushkoff's present profession show about his life?
A. He remained a beggar
B. He had become respectable and employed
C. He returned to singing
D. He became a wood-chopper
Ans. B. He had become respectable and employed
46. What does Lushkoff's gratitude towards Olga chiefly reveal?
A. He feared Olga
B. He recognized her important role in his transformation
C. He wanted to employ her
D. He disliked Sergei
Ans. B. He recognized her important role in his transformation
47. What did Lushkoff say Sergei's words and deeds had done for him?
A. They had made him a singer
B. They had helped him along the right path
C. They had given him thirty-five roubles
D. They had found him a theatre seat
Ans. B. They had helped him along the right path
48. According to Lushkoff, what was more important than Olga's words?
A. Her money
B. Her noble deeds
C. Her clothes
D. Her position
Ans. B. Her noble deeds
49. What did Lushkoff say he was very grateful to Sergei and Olga for?
A. Their kind words and deeds
B. Their money only
C. Their theatre tickets
D. Their employment as notary
Ans. A. Their kind words and deeds
50. What central fact about his transformation does Lushkoff reveal?
A. He transformed himself without help
B. Olga's compassion and actions helped reform him
C. Sergei gave him a large sum of money
D. The theatre changed his life
Ans. B. Olga's compassion and actions helped reform him
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