The Beggar

Chekhov's short story "The Beggar" revolves around the theme of spiritual transformation where a depraved alcoholic becomes a better person through compassion and kindness. A perfect example of a narrative with a twist, the short story offers some insight into the topic of knowing the other and delving deeper into the human psyche. What is more, Chekhov places his characters and their extraordinary encounters against the mundane daily grind, a typical characteristic feature of his whole work. The unexpected ending reveals Chekhov's affinity to conclude his stories with a touch of morality.