Short Intro
“The Thief’s Story” written by Ruskin Bond is an inspiring chapter from Footprints Without Feet. The story highlights trust, honesty, kindness, and personal transformation through the relationship between Hari Singh and Anil. Below are detailed step-by-step solutions of all important questions in Unicode format specially designed for educational portals like wwww.mymockmate.com.
Quick Information Box
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Chapter Name | The Thief’s Story |
| Author | Ruskin Bond |
| Class | 10th |
| Subject | English |
| Book | Footprints Without Feet |
| Genre | Short Story |
| Main Theme | Trust and Transformation |
| Main Characters | Hari Singh, Anil |
| Moral Lesson | Kindness can change people |
Concepts Used (Topics Covered)
- Character Sketch
- Trust and Honesty
- Moral Values
- Personal Transformation
- Reading Comprehension
- Theme Analysis
- NCERT Important Questions
- Step-by-step Answer Writing
Important Formulas
1. Character Sketch Formula
Introduction → Qualities → Supporting Examples → Conclusion
2. Long Answer Formula
Introduction → Main Explanation → Example → Conclusion
3. Moral-Based Answer Formula
Situation → Learning → Moral
4. Exam Writing Formula
Direct Answer → Supporting Points → Final Conclusion
Questions & Step-by-step Solutions with Explanation
Q1. Who does ‘I’ refer to in this story?
Step 1: Identify narrator
The story is narrated by a thief.
Step 2: Name the character
The narrator is Hari Singh.
Final Answer
‘I’ refers to Hari Singh, a fifteen-year-old thief who narrates the story.
Explanation
The story is written from Hari Singh’s point of view.
Q2. What is he “a fairly successful hand” at?
Step 1: Understand the phrase
“Fairly successful hand” means skilled in something.
Step 2: Identify his profession
Hari Singh was experienced in stealing.
Final Answer
Hari Singh was a fairly successful hand at stealing and cheating people.
Explanation
Despite being young, he had experience as a thief.
Q3. What does he get from Anil in return for his work?
Step 1: Observe Anil’s behaviour
Anil offered food and shelter.
Step 2: Additional benefits
He also taught Hari Singh to read and write.
Final Answer
In return for his work, Hari Singh received food, shelter, kindness, and education from Anil.
Explanation
Anil treated him with trust and care instead of suspicion.
Q4. How does the thief think Anil will react to the theft?
Step 1: Understand Hari’s thoughts
Hari believed Anil would not become angry.
Step 2: Main emotional reaction
Anil would feel sadness because trust was broken.
Final Answer
Hari Singh believed that Anil would feel sad rather than angry because he valued trust more than money.
Explanation
Hari understood Anil’s gentle and trusting nature.
Q5. What does Hari Singh say about different reactions of people when robbed?
Step 1: Mention reactions
- Greedy man → fear
- Rich man → anger
- Poor man → acceptance
Final Answer
Hari Singh says that greedy people show fear when robbed, rich people show anger, and poor people accept their loss calmly.
Explanation
These observations show Hari’s experience as a thief.
Q6. Does Anil realise that he has been robbed?
Step 1: Observe clues
The money note was wet from rain.
Step 2: Understand Anil’s silence
He understood everything but remained calm.
Final Answer
Yes, Anil realised that he had been robbed because the returned note was wet from rain. However, he did not say anything directly.
Explanation
Anil silently forgave Hari Singh and encouraged him to improve.
Think About It – Detailed Solutions
Q7. What are Hari Singh’s reactions to the prospect of receiving an education? What makes him return to Anil?
Step 1: Initial reaction
Hari saw education as a way to earn more money.
Step 2: Later realization
He understood that education could help him become respected and successful honestly.
Step 3: Reason for returning
He returned because he valued trust, kindness, and education more than stolen money.
Final Answer
At first, Hari Singh viewed education as a tool to become more successful in life. Later, he realised that education could help him become a respected person. This understanding, along with Anil’s kindness and trust, made him return to Anil.
Explanation
Hari’s character changes from thief to responsible human being.
Q8. Why does Anil not hand the thief over to the police?
Step 1: Understand Anil’s personality
Anil was kind and understanding.
Step 2: Observe his intention
He wanted Hari Singh to improve his life.
Final Answer
Anil did not hand Hari Singh over to the police because he believed in forgiveness and personal improvement. He wanted to reform Hari instead of punishing him.
Explanation
Anil’s trust and kindness played an important role in changing Hari Singh.
Talk About It – Detailed Solutions
Q9. Do you think people like Anil and Hari Singh exist in real life?
Final Answer
Yes, such people exist in real life. Some people are kind and trusting like Anil, while others may choose wrong paths due to poverty or difficult circumstances like Hari Singh.
Q10. Why is Anil being a struggling writer significant?
Final Answer
Anil’s struggle as a writer explains his simple lifestyle and compassionate behaviour. Since he himself faced difficulties, he understood others better and treated Hari Singh kindly.
Q11. What circumstances can turn a young boy into a thief?
Final Answer
Poverty, lack of education, bad company, loneliness, and difficult living conditions can force young children toward crime.
Q12. Where is the story set?
Step 1: Identify clues
- Jumna Sweet Shop
- Lucknow Express
- Bazaar
- Maidan
Final Answer
The story is set in North India, probably around Delhi or Lucknow. Hindi and local languages were likely spoken by the characters.
Explanation
The names and places suggest an Indian setting.
Common Mistakes
Students often make these mistakes:
- Confusing Hari Singh’s character development
- Ignoring the theme of trust
- Writing incomplete explanations
- Forgetting moral values
- Missing important examples from the story
- Writing very lengthy introductions
Exam Tips
Important Tips for Better Marks
- Write answers in simple language.
- Mention examples from the chapter.
- Highlight Hari Singh’s transformation.
- Focus on trust and kindness themes.
- Learn character sketches carefully.
Most Important Exam Questions
- Character sketch of Anil
- Character sketch of Hari Singh
- Why did Hari return the money?
- Theme of trust and honesty
Practice MCQs
MCQ 1
Who is the narrator of the story?
A. Anil
B. Hari Singh
C. Publisher
D. Policeman
Answer:
B. Hari Singh
MCQ 2
What did Anil teach Hari Singh?
A. Driving
B. Wrestling
C. Reading and writing
D. Cooking only
Answer:
C. Reading and writing
MCQ 3
How much money did Hari Singh steal?
A. 100 rupees
B. 200 rupees
C. 600 rupees
D. 1000 rupees
Answer:
C. 600 rupees
MCQ 4
Why did Hari Singh return the money?
A. Fear of police
B. Fear of punishment
C. Respect for Anil and desire for education
D. He lost the money
Answer:
C. Respect for Anil and desire for education
MCQ 5
What is the main message of the story?
A. Crime is easy
B. Trust and kindness can reform people
C. Rich people are careless
D. Money is everything
Answer:
B. Trust and kindness can reform people
FAQ Section
1. Who wrote “The Thief’s Story”?
The story was written by Ruskin Bond.
2. Who is Hari Singh?
Hari Singh is a young thief and the narrator of the story.
3. Why did Hari Singh return the money?
He returned the money because he valued Anil’s trust and education more than stolen wealth.
4. Did Anil know about the theft?
Yes, Anil understood that Hari Singh had stolen and returned the money.
5. What lesson do we learn from the story?
The story teaches us that kindness, trust, and education can change a person’s life.
6. What type of person was Anil?
Anil was kind, generous, simple, and forgiving.
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