Question 1.
Has Lushkoff become a beggar by circumstances or by choice?
Answer:
No, Lushkoff did not become a beggar by choice. He was the victim of circumstances. In fact, he was a singer in the Russian choir. This middle-aged man was a habitual drunkard. He was shunted out from his job due to his habit of getting drunk. His physical inability forced him to turn to begging.

Question 2.
What reasons does he give to Sergei for his telling lies?
Answer:
Lushkoff admits that he has been telling lies everywhere. He says that he tells lies to get money. If he tells the truth that he was thrown out of job because of his drinking habits, nobody will give him money.

Question 3.
Is Lushkoff a willing worker? Why, then, does he agree to chop wood for Sergei?
Answer:
No, Lushkoff is not a willing worker. He is physically weak. He can do nothing except begging. But he is trapped in his own words said to Sergei. He has to agree to chop wood for Sergei to save his face.

Question 4.
Sergei says, “I am happy my words have taken effect.” Why does he say so? Is he right in saying this?
Answer:
When Sergei shifted to another house, he hired Lushkoff to help in packing and hauling of the furniture. He paid him and remarked that he was happy he had learnt to earn through work. But Sergei was not right in his assessment. Lushkoff was still an idle person. In fact, he was too weak to do any work.

Question 5.
Lushkoff is earning thirty-five roubles a month. How is he obliged to Sergei for this ? What value is displayed in the act of Lushkoff?
Answer:
Lushkoff was only a beggar, telling lies to get money. Sergei scolded him for all this and offered him the work of chopping wood for him. He was unable to do physical labour due to his drinking habit. Sergei sent him to his friend with a letter to work as a copying clerk.

Now Lushkoff had become a notary and was earning thirty-five roubles a month. He was obliged to Sergei for giving him an opportunity to lead an honest and self-respecting life. Luskhoff is grateful to Sergei for his help and guidance. Thus, gratitude and gratefulness are the values displayed by Luskhoff.