Complete Solutions and Summary of The Thief’s Story - NCERT Class 10, Footprints without Feet, Chapter 2 - Summary, Questions, Answers, Extra Questions...

Detailed summary and explanation of Chapter 2 'The Thief’s Story' with all question answers, extra questions, and solutions from NCERT Class X, Footprints without Feet.

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Introduction

'The Thief’s Story' is a heartwarming tale by Ruskin Bond about a young boy named Hari Singh, who is a thief, and Anil, a simple man who trusts him. The story revolves around how Hari, despite planning to rob Anil, decides to return the stolen money after realizing the importance of trust and education. The narrative beautifully captures the transformation of a boy from a petty thief to someone who values trust and integrity.

Summary in English (200 words):

"The Thief's Story" by Ruskin Bond is about a young boy, Hari Singh, who is a thief by profession. He meets Anil, a kind and simple man, and deceives him into letting him work for him. Anil doesn’t pay Hari Singh but offers him food and promises to teach him to read and write. Over time, Hari becomes fond of Anil but is still tempted by the money Anil brings home after selling a book. One night, Hari Singh steals ₹600 from Anil and runs away, intending to catch a train to Lucknow. However, at the station, he hesitates and reflects on the kindness and trust Anil has shown him. He realizes that being educated would bring him more opportunities than stealing ever could. Overwhelmed with guilt, he returns to Anil’s house and quietly places the money back under the mattress. The next morning, Anil gives him ₹50 and tells him they will start learning to write sentences, showing that he has noticed the theft but chooses to forgive Hari without confronting him. This story highlights the themes of trust, kindness, and the possibility of change in people when given a second chance.

Summary in Hindi (200 words):

"चोर की कहानी" रस्किन बॉन्ड द्वारा लिखी गई एक कहानी है जो एक छोटे लड़के, हरी सिंह, के बारे में है जो पेशे से चोर है। वह अनिल नामक एक दयालु और सरल व्यक्ति से मिलता है और उसे धोखा देकर अपने पास काम करने के लिए राजी कर लेता है। अनिल हरी को कोई वेतन नहीं देता, लेकिन उसे भोजन देता है और उसे पढ़ना-लिखना सिखाने का वादा करता है। समय के साथ, हरी सिंह को अनिल से लगाव हो जाता है, लेकिन अनिल के पास लाई गई किताब बेचने से मिले ₹600 की ओर उसका लालच बढ़ जाता है। एक रात, हरी सिंह ₹600 चुराकर भाग जाता है और लखनऊ जाने वाली ट्रेन पकड़ने की योजना बनाता है। लेकिन स्टेशन पर, वह रुक जाता है और अनिल की दयालुता और विश्वास के बारे में सोचता है। उसे यह एहसास होता है कि पढ़ाई से उसे चोरी से कहीं अधिक अवसर मिलेंगे। अपराधबोध से ग्रस्त होकर, वह अनिल के घर लौटता है और चोरी किए गए पैसे वापस गद्दे के नीचे रख देता है। अगली सुबह, अनिल उसे ₹50 देता है और कहता है कि अब वे वाक्य लिखना शुरू करेंगे, यह दर्शाते हुए कि अनिल ने चोरी को महसूस किया है लेकिन उसे माफ कर दिया। कहानी विश्वास, दया, और सुधार की संभावनाओं पर प्रकाश डालती है।

Think about it - Page 13

1. What are Hari Singh’s reactions to the prospect of receiving an education? Do they change over time?
Initially, Hari Singh sees education as a means to achieve great things, thinking, "Once I could write like an educated man there would be no limit to what I could achieve." Over time, his understanding deepens. He later realizes that education can offer him more than just material wealth, thinking that learning to write whole sentences could provide him more opportunities than a life of theft. His change of heart, prompted by guilt and Anil's kindness, makes him return the stolen money, seeking self-improvement and a better future.
2. 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 does not hand Hari Singh over to the police because he recognizes the boy’s potential for change. Anil chooses to forgive Hari silently, focusing on teaching and guiding him instead of punishing him. Most people in his position might have reacted by calling the police, but Anil’s approach is different as he values trust and education over punishment, believing that kindness could lead to a positive transformation in Hari.

Talk about it - Page 13

1. Do you think people like Anil and Hari Singh are found only in fiction, or are there such people in real life?
While the story may seem fictional, people like Anil and Hari Singh can exist in real life. There are individuals who, like Anil, believe in second chances and reform, and there are also people like Hari who are tempted by dishonesty but can be guided toward a better path through kindness and trust.
2. 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 being a struggling writer is significant. His experiences as a writer likely made him more empathetic and understanding, as he himself faces challenges. This could explain why he is more lenient with Hari, choosing to focus on helping him learn rather than punishing him for the theft.
3. 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?
While I may not have met someone exactly like Hari Singh, it is possible to imagine how poverty, lack of guidance, or unfortunate circumstances can push a young boy into stealing. Desperation and survival instincts often lead people, especially at a young age, to make such choices when they have no support or positive role models.
4. 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 a city in northern India, as suggested by the names like Hari Singh and Anil, and the reference to places such as the bazaar. The characters probably spoke in Hindi or a regional language, but the story is written in English for a wider audience. It is unlikely that the characters conversed in English in their daily interactions.

About the Author

Ruskin Bond is one of India’s most beloved authors, known for his heartwarming stories and simple yet profound style of writing. Born on May 19, 1934, in Kasauli, India, Bond has written over 500 short stories, essays, and novels. His work often draws from his personal experiences growing up in India, especially in the hill stations of Dehradun and Mussoorie.

Bond’s stories frequently focus on themes of childhood, nature, and friendship, capturing the beauty of simple, everyday moments. His writing is marked by its vivid descriptions of Indian life, its gentle humor, and its deep understanding of human nature. He received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1992 for his short story collection, "Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra."

Ruskin Bond's writing continues to inspire generations of readers, young and old alike, with its warmth and sincerity. His works such as "The Room on the Roof," "The Blue Umbrella," and "The Night Train at Deoli" remain classics in Indian literature.

He currently resides in Landour, Mussoorie, where he continues to write and engage with his readers.