top of page
    Search

    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


    About BhashaLab


    BhashaLab is a dynamic platform dedicated to the exploration and mastery of languages, operating both online and offline. Our mission is to provide comprehensive language education that aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Credit Framework (NCrF), ensuring our learners achieve recognized and transferable credits.


    Our Offerings


    1. Credit-Based, Self-Paced Courses

    We offer a range of language courses (Sanskrit, Marathi, Hindi, and English) for schools and colleges, meticulously designed to meet the standards of NEP 2020 and the National Credit Framework. Our programs can also be integrated into the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) portfolio. These courses guarantee learning outcomes that are highly valued by both academia and industry.


    Additionally, we provide micro and nano credentials in various language courses, enabling learners to gain specialized skills and certifications in a shorter time frame. We also offer bridge courses to help learners transition smoothly between different levels of language proficiency. These credentials and courses are aligned with NEP 2020 and the National Credit Framework, making them a valuable addition to your academic and professional portfolio.


    2. Offline Courses

    At our Thane center, we deliver subjects such as English and Sanskrit School Syllabi, English Grammar, English Creative Writing, and English Communication Skills. Additionally, we collaborate with reputable institutions to offer credit-based programs (English, Marathi, Hindi, and Sanskrit), ensuring adherence to NEP guidelines and the National Credit Framework for both schools and Higher Education Institutes (HEIs).


    3. Live Online Courses

    We provide live, instructor-led online courses covering English School Syllabi (all boards), English Grammar, English Creative Writing, and English Communication Skills. Unlike pre-recorded sessions, our live classes offer real-time interaction with educators. Upon course completion, students receive detailed assessment reports, facilitating easy credit acquisition. These courses are also in line with NEP and the National Credit Framework for schools and HEIs.


    4. Bilingual and Trilingual Books

    We develop and publish bilingual and trilingual language books for both children and adults, available on Amazon. These books foster language development and cultural appreciation, making learning engaging and accessible.


    5. Language Competitions

    Our platform organizes both online and offline language competitions, attracting participants globally and promoting linguistic excellence. These competitions are a great way to showcase your skills and earn recognition.


    6. Educational Content

    Our blogs and YouTube videos serve as rich resources for language enthusiasts, offering insights and knowledge on various linguistic topics.


    7. Research Support

    We encourage language research by offering fellowships to PhD students, fostering academic inquiry and advancement in linguistic studies.


    Why Choose BhashaLab?

    • NEP 2020 and NCrF Aligned: Our courses and programs are designed to meet national educational standards.

    • Flexible Learning: Choose from self-paced, live online, or offline courses to suit your schedule.

    • Recognized Credentials: Earn credits, micro credentials, and nano credentials that are valued by academia and industry.

    • Bridge Courses: Smoothly transition between proficiency levels with our specialized bridge courses.

    • Global Reach: Join our community of learners and participants from around the world.


    🔗 Connect with BhashaLab

    📞 Contact Us: +91 86577 20901, +91 97021 12044


    At BhashaLab, we are committed to delivering quality language education that is accessible, flexible, and aligned with national educational standards. Empower yourself with the skills and credentials you need to achieve your academic and professional goals. Join us today and unlock the power of languages!

    コメント

    bottom of page