A Touch of Humanity: Unveiling Compassion in Turgenev's "The Beggar"

Summary

In this short story we see an apparently well-standing citizen meeting with a beggar on the street.

The top features the author's name, 'Ivan Turgenev,' and the title, 'The Beggar.' The central part contains an image of Ivan Turgenev. The background has a warm sepia tone. 📖🎨

The beggar is in a terrible condition wearing rags, having festering wounds, bloodshot eyes. He asks for help, but the man happens to have nothing with him, so he clasps the beggar's hand, asking for forgiveness for having nothing to offer. An unexpected thing happens then. The beggar smiles and tells the man that the handshake is a gift itself.

Analysis

The story explores the condition of poverty and the sentiment of empathy and human connection. There is a stark contrast between the narrator's outstanding condition and the destitute condition of the beggar.

The narrator's act of clasping the beggar's hand shows a moment of compassion and even though it is a small act it's full of kindness and meaning. The beggar's reaction and answer to the man showcases how important it was for him to be considered a human being. An equal, worth of clasping hands with, despite his poor condition.

The story causes us (like the narrator himself) to reflect on the way we see our fellow citizens and especially those whom we consider below us.

Listen to the story:

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