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    2. The Thief’s Story - Class 10 - Footprints

    Author: Ruskin Bond

    Genre: Realistic Fiction / Moral Story

    Textbook: Footprints Without Feet

    Characters: Hari Singh (narrator/thief), Anil (writer/employer)

    📝 Summary


    The story revolves around a 15-year-old thief who introduces himself as Hari Singh, although it is not his real name. He frequently changes his identity to escape being caught. The story begins when he meets a kind and simple man named Anil, a struggling writer, at a wrestling match.


    Hari flatters Anil and convinces him to employ him as a cook. Although Anil knows Hari cannot cook, he still hires him and teaches him how to cook, write his name, and add numbers. They start living together in a small rented room.


    Anil is trusting and generous, unlike Hari’s previous victims. One day, Hari finds that Anil has been paid for an article and has kept the money under the mattress. At night, Hari steals the money and leaves, planning to go to Lucknow.


    However, he feels guilty. Anil’s trust, and the education and care he was receiving, haunt him. Realizing the importance of trust and honesty, he returns to the room and places the money back. The next morning, Anil doesn’t mention the theft but hands him a crisp ₹50 note and tells him they will start writing full sentences. It’s his way of acknowledging Hari’s silent transformation.


    👤 Character Sketches


    1. Hari Singh (the thief)

    • Young, clever, and experienced in stealing

    • Can read people and manipulate them

    • Initially selfish, but not evil

    • Undergoes transformation due to kindness and trust

    • Wants to change and live a better life


    2. Anil

    • Simple, trusting, and generous

    • A struggling writer with irregular income

    • Educates Hari without judging his background

    • Sensitive and wise – quietly helps Hari reform without confrontation

    📚 Themes

    Theme

    Explanation

    Trust & Redemption

    Trust can change even a criminal. Anil's faith transforms Hari.

    Kindness & Forgiveness

    Anil’s gentle and non-judgmental approach brings a moral change in Hari.

    Guilt & Conscience

    Hari’s conscience makes him return the stolen money.

    Value of Education

    Hari realizes that learning and honesty will benefit him more in the long run than theft.


    ✨ Literary Devices & Style


    • First Person Narrative: Story told from the thief's point of view, which helps readers connect emotionally.

    • Irony: A thief learning about honesty from the man he planned to rob.

    • Symbolism:

      • Money – Symbol of temptation

      • Books/Writing – Symbol of knowledge, future change

    • Simple Style: Ruskin Bond uses easy, relatable language and realistic scenarios.

    • Character-driven Plot: Focus is on how Hari’s thoughts and values evolve.


    📖 Title Justification


    The title “The Thief’s Story” is apt as it focuses on the internal journey of the thief, Hari Singh. It’s not just about a theft, but about his emotional and moral transformation from a petty thief to a boy with hope for change. The story belongs to him, his perspective, and his growth.


    🔍 Important Questions & Answers


    Q1. Why did Hari Singh want to work for Anil?

    Hari saw Anil as a simple, trusting man—an easy target. He hoped to win his confidence and eventually rob him.


    Q2. How did Anil react to discovering the theft?

    Anil never directly mentioned the theft. Instead, he gave Hari a ₹50 note and told him they'd start writing full sentences, indicating he knew but chose forgiveness.


    Q3. Why did Hari return the money?

    He was overwhelmed by guilt and Anil’s kindness. He realized the importance of trust, education, and a better future.


    Q4. What does the story tell us about human nature?

    It shows that people can change if given trust, compassion, and an opportunity. Even a thief can become honest when treated kindly.


    Q5. What lesson do we learn from the story?

    It teaches that kindness can reform even those who have gone astray and that trust is powerful enough to bring about real change.


    🧠 Value-Based / Think & Answer

    Q. “It’s easier to rob a man than to be honest with him.” Do you agree with this statement from the story?

    In the beginning, Hari believes this, as he’s lived by tricking others. But through Anil’s trust and generosity, he learns that living honestly is harder but more meaningful and rewarding. This quote reflects the internal conflict between the easy path of crime and the challenging path of honesty.



    END


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