Dive into The Thief’s Story by Ruskin Bond with this ultimate guide! Explore a detailed summary, word meanings, themes, moral, and Q&A from Chapter 2 of Footprints Without Feet. Perfect for Class 10 English students, this NCERT-aligned post simplifies exam preparation with insights into character sketches and analysis.
Summary of The Thief’s Story by Ruskin Bond
The Thief’s Story by Ruskin Bond is about Hari Singh, a 15-year-old boy who lives by stealing. One day, he befriends Anil, a simple and kind-hearted man who writes for a living. Anil offers Hari a place to stay and teaches him to read and write, creating a bond of trust between them.
Despite Anil’s generosity, Hari’s old habits resurface, and he steals ₹600 from Anil’s earnings. While fleeing with the money, Hari begins to reflect on Anil’s kindness and how learning to read and write could offer him a better future. Guilt overtakes him, and he decides to return the stolen money.
Hari quietly places the money back under Anil’s mattress, knowing that his actions have restored the trust. The next morning, Anil hands Hari some money but doesn’t mention the theft, showing that he is aware but chooses to forgive. This act leaves a lasting impact on Hari, igniting a desire to live an honest life.
Word Meaning of The Thief’s Story by Ruskin Bond
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Modest | Humble, simple |
| Thief | A person who steals |
| Generosity | The quality of being kind |
| Betrayal | Breaking someone’s trust |
| Reflect | To think deeply about something |
| Fleeing | Running away |
| Mattress | A large pad used for sleeping |
| Guilt | A feeling of regret for wrongdoing |
| Forgive | To pardon someone for a mistake |
| Transform | To change in a significant way |
The Thief’s Story Questions and Answers
READ AND FIND OUT-I
Who does ‘I’ refer to in this story?
‘I’ refers to Hari Singh, the narrator and a young thief.
What is he “a fairly successful hand” at?
He is “a fairly successful hand” at stealing and deceiving people.
What does he get from Anil in return for his work?
Hari receives food, a place to stay, and the opportunity to learn to read and write from Anil.
READ AND FIND OUT-II
How does the thief think Anil will react to the theft?
The thief thinks Anil will be sad, not because of losing money, but because of losing trust.
What does he say about the different reactions of people when they are robbed?
Hari observes that some people show anger, others fear, and a few feel a deep sense of sadness when robbed.
Does Anil realise that he has been robbed?
Yes, Anil realises he has been robbed but chooses not to confront Hari and instead forgives him silently.
THINK ABOUT IT
- What are Hari Singh’s reactions to the prospect of receiving an education? Do they change over time?
Initially, Hari sees education as a way to become more skilled at theft. Over time, he realises that learning could help him lead an honest and respectable life. His guilt and Anil’s kindness motivate him to return to Anil. - Why does not Anil hand the thief over to the police? Do you think most people would have done so? In what ways is Anil different from such employers?
Anil doesn’t hand Hari over to the police because he believes in giving him a chance to change. Most people would have taken punitive action, but Anil’s forgiving nature and trust make him different.
TALK ABOUT IT
- Do you think people like Anil and Hari Singh are found only in fiction, or are there such people in real life?
Such people can be found in real life. There are kind-hearted individuals like Anil who influence others positively and people like Hari who seek opportunities for change. - Do you think it a significant detail in the story that Anil is a struggling writer? Does this explain his behaviour in any way?
Yes, Anil’s struggles might make him empathetic and more inclined to forgive, as he understands hardship and values trust over material wealth. - Have you met anyone like Hari Singh? Can you think and imagine the circumstances that can turn a fifteen-year-old boy into a thief?
Yes, circumstances like poverty, lack of education, and bad influences can push a young boy into theft. Stories of reform like Hari Singh’s inspire change. - Where is the story set? Which language or languages are spoken in these places? Do you think the characters in the story spoke to each other in English?
The story is likely set in Northern India, where Hindi and local dialects are commonly spoken. It’s unlikely the characters spoke in English; they might have conversed in Hindi or a regional language.
Frequently Asked Questions from The Thief’s Story
- Who is the narrator of the story?
The narrator is Hari Singh, a 15-year-old thief who shares his journey of change and transformation. - What was Hari’s first impression of Anil?
Hari found Anil simple, easy-going, and trusting, making him an ideal target for theft. - What did Anil do for a living?
Anil wrote articles for magazines and made irregular earnings from his work. - Why did Hari decide to stay with Anil?
Hari stayed with Anil as he saw an opportunity to rob him due to his trusting nature. - What did Anil teach Hari?
Anil taught Hari to read, write, and add numbers, which could lead to a better future. - What did Hari steal from Anil?
Hari stole ₹600 that Anil had earned from selling a book manuscript. - Why did Hari return the stolen money?
Hari felt guilty and realised that Anil’s kindness and trust offered him a chance to change. - How did Anil react to Hari’s theft?
Anil didn’t confront Hari about the theft but showed his awareness through silent forgiveness. - What is the central theme of the story?
The story explores the themes of trust, redemption, and the power of kindness in transforming lives. - How does the story end?
The story ends with Hari resolving to live honestly after returning the money and receiving Anil’s forgiveness.
The Thief’s Story Character Sketch
The central characters in The Thief’s Story by Ruskin Bond are Hari Singh, a young thief, and Anil, a kind-hearted man. Hari Singh is a 15-year-old boy with quick wit and an ability to adapt. He is resourceful and cunning, yet his conscience ultimately makes him reform his ways. Anil, on the other hand, is an honest and compassionate man who trusts people easily. He takes Hari under his wing, teaching him basic education and values. Anil’s kindness acts as a catalyst for Hari’s transformation, showing that trust and goodness can inspire change in even the most flawed individuals.
The Thief’s Story Themes
The story explores several significant themes, including:
- Trust and Betrayal: Anil’s trust in Hari Singh contrasts with Hari’s initial intent to betray him, highlighting the power of faith in human relationships.
- Redemption and Transformation: Hari’s journey from a thief to a reformed individual underscores the potential for change through kindness.
- The Importance of Education: Anil’s efforts to teach Hari how to read and write emphasise education as a tool for personal growth and better opportunities.
- Human Connection: The story celebrates how genuine relationships can positively impact lives.
The Thief’s Story Moral
The moral of The Thief’s Story lies in the transformative power of kindness and trust. It teaches us that compassion can bring out the best in people, even those who have lost their way. The narrative also highlights the value of honesty, education, and second chances, encouraging readers to believe in the potential for redemption and personal growth.
The Thief’s Story Analysis
Ruskin Bond’s The Thief’s Story is a heartwarming tale that delves into human nature and relationships. The simple yet profound narrative showcases Hari Singh’s internal conflict between his habitual dishonesty and his newfound respect for Anil. The author’s use of first-person narration creates a sense of intimacy, allowing readers to empathise with Hari’s journey. The story’s setting and the conversational tone add realism, making the characters relatable. By focusing on everyday events and emotions, Bond highlights universal values such as trust, kindness, and education, leaving readers with a lasting message of hope and humanity.
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