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

May 8
4 min read

Updated: Jul 15

Author: Ruskin Bond

Genre: Realistic Fiction / Moral Story

Textbook: Footprints Without Feet

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

Mind Map (Click on the panel to expand)

Listen to a quick Hindi audio summary below for better understanding.

📝 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.

✅ One-Mark Questions

What was the real name of the thief in the story? → The thief’s real name was not mentioned, but he used the alias “Hari Singh” while working with Anil.
Why did Hari Singh choose Anil as his next target? → Hari Singh chose Anil because he seemed simple, kind-hearted, and unsuspecting—making him an easy person to win over and deceive.
How did Anil earn his living? → Anil was a freelance writer who earned money by writing articles for magazines and by doing odd jobs like selling books.
Why did Hari Singh return the stolen money? → Hari Singh felt guilty after stealing the money and did not want to lose Anil’s trust and the opportunity to become an educated, honest man.
What did Anil do when he found the notes damp the next morning? → Anil did not say anything directly but understood everything and indirectly forgave Hari Singh by giving him a warm smile and continuing to treat him kindly.

✅ Three-Mark Questions

Describe Anil’s character in the story. → Anil is a kind, trusting, and generous man who doesn’t judge people by their past. He offers Hari Singh food, shelter, and teaches him to read and write. His silent forgiveness shows his maturity and belief in reform.
Why was Hari Singh grateful to Anil even after stealing from him? → Hari Singh realized that Anil was the first person who treated him with respect and care. He felt ashamed of betraying Anil’s trust and decided to change his ways. The desire to become an educated and honest person made him return the money.
What message does “The Thief’s Story” convey to the readers? → The story conveys that kindness, trust, and education can bring reform even in the most dishonest individuals. It emphasizes that a supportive environment and second chances can help someone choose the right path in life.

🧠 Value-Based Question

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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