Chapter 8: The Beggar

Anton Chekhov's Tale

This story by Anton Chekhov follows Lushkoff, a beggar who pretends to be a schoolteacher fallen on hard times. He encounters Sergei, an advocate who recognizes him as a fraud.

The Confrontation

Sergei catches Lushkoff lying about his identity and offers him honest work chopping wood instead of giving him money.

The Path to Reform

Though Lushkoff is weak and unwilling, Sergei's cook Olga secretly does the work for him while scolding him. Over time, Sergei finds Lushkoff various jobs, helping him rebuild his life.

The Revelation

Years later, Sergei meets Lushkoff, now a successful notary. Lushkoff reveals that it wasn't Sergei's words that reformed him—it was Olga's tears and kindness while she chopped wood in his place.

Key Themes

Compassion: True change comes from empathy, not lectures.
Dignity of Labor: Honest work restores self-respect.
Hidden Kindness: Olga's silent sacrifice was the real catalyst.