NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English ‘ The Thieves Story ‘
“The Thief’s Story” by Ruskin Bond
Introduction:
Thiefs Story ” written by Ruskin Bond, is a heartwarming tale of trust, kindness, and redemption. Set against the backdrop of human relationships, it narrates the story of a young thief who finds a chance to transform his life when he meets a kind and trusting man. The story explores themes like the impact of trust, the power of second chances, and the inherent goodness in people.
Plot Summary:
1. Introduction of the Thief (Hari Singh):
The story begins with the narrator, a young thief named Hari Singh, meeting a kind and generous man named Anil. Hari Singh is adept at stealing and prides himself on his ability to deceive others. He strikes up a conversation with Anil, a struggling writer, with the intention of robbing him.
2. Building Trust with Anil:
Anil, despite being aware of Hari’s cunning nature, takes him in. Hari works as a cook and helper, though he doesn’t know how to cook initially. Anil’s gentle and forgiving nature wins Hari’s trust. Over time, Hari becomes fond of Anil and enjoys the simplicity and honesty of their life together.
3. The Temptation to Steal:
One day, Anil receives a large sum of money. Hari sees this as a perfect opportunity to steal and escape. The lure of the money tempts him, and he decides to run away with the cash.
4. The Turning Point:
After stealing the money, Hari boards a train to escape. However, he is overcome by guilt and inner conflict. He realizes that Anil’s kindness and trust have made a significant impact on him. The thought of losing Anil’s trust disturbs him more than the prospect of a life of crime.
5. Redemption and Return:
In a moment of self-reflection, Hari decides to return the money. He sneaks back into Anil’s house and replaces the money under the mattress. The next morning, Anil gives no indication that he is aware of Hari’s actions, but his gesture of offering Hari a fifty-rupee note symbolizes his silent acknowledgment and forgiveness.
Themes in the Story:
- Trust and Kindness:
Anil’s decision to trust Hari, despite knowing his background, reflects the power of kindness. His non-judgmental attitude plays a key role in Hari’s transformation. - Guilt and Redemption:
Hari’s internal struggle after stealing the money highlights the human capacity for self-reflection and change. The story shows that even a hardened thief can feel guilt and strive for redemption. - Power of Relationships:
The bond between Anil and Hari transforms Hari’s perspective on life. This theme underscores the importance of meaningful relationships in shaping an individual’s character. - Second Chances:
The story emphasizes the idea that everyone deserves a second chance. Anil’s quiet forgiveness and trust give Hari the opportunity to reform his ways.
Character Analysis:
1. Hari Singh (The Thief):
- A young and skilled thief, adept at deception.
- Initially selfish and opportunistic, focused solely on personal gain.
- Experiences an inner transformation due to Anil’s trust and kindness.
- His decision to return the stolen money marks his journey toward self-reform.
2. Anil:
- A kind and generous man, willing to help others despite his modest means.
- A writer who lives a simple life.
- Represents trust, forgiveness, and the belief in the goodness of people.
- His quiet acknowledgment of Hari’s actions reflects his deep understanding of human nature.
Symbolism in the Story:
- The Stolen Money:
The money symbolizes temptation and Hari’s old life of crime. Returning it represents his desire to change and embrace honesty. - The Train:
The train is a metaphor for escape and the easy path Hari could have chosen. Not boarding it signifies his inner conflict and eventual decision to reform. - The Fifty-Rupee Note:
Anil’s gesture of giving Hari the money symbolizes forgiveness and a fresh start. It shows Anil’s belief in Hari’s potential to change.
Writing Style of Ruskin Bond:
Ruskin Bond’s writing style is simple, engaging, and rich in emotion. He uses a conversational tone to connect with readers. Through vivid descriptions and subtle character development, he creates relatable and memorable characters. The story’s message is conveyed with a light touch, making it both impactful and accessible.
Key Incidents in the Story:
- Hari Singh’s First Encounter with Anil:
Hari’s calculated approach to gaining Anil’s trust sets the stage for the story. It reveals his opportunistic nature and cunning intelligence. - Hari Learning to Cook:
Though humorous, this incident shows Anil’s patience and Hari’s growing bond with him. It is a small but significant step in their relationship. - The Theft and the Guilt:
Hari’s act of stealing and subsequent internal conflict form the emotional core of the story. It marks the turning point in his character arc. - The Return of the Money:
Hari’s decision to return the stolen money is a moment of redemption. It reflects his realization of the value of trust and honesty. - Anil’s Forgiveness:
The silent understanding between Anil and Hari in the morning shows the depth of their bond. Anil’s subtle acknowledgment encourages Hari to continue on the path of reform.
Important Quotes:
- On Trust:
- “You look like a thief.”
This line reflects Anil’s intuitive understanding of Hari’s nature and sets the tone for their relationship.
- “You look like a thief.”
- On Hari’s Internal Conflict:
- “I couldn’t cook his meals, run to the bazaar, or learn to write whole sentences anymore.”
Hari’s realization of his dependence on Anil symbolizes his emotional attachment and the beginnings of his transformation.
- “I couldn’t cook his meals, run to the bazaar, or learn to write whole sentences anymore.”
- On Forgiveness:
- “Today, I made some money.”
Anil’s casual statement shows his subtle acknowledgment of Hari’s actions and his willingness to forgive.
- “Today, I made some money.”
Moral of the Story:
The story conveys the message that trust and kindness can transform even the most flawed individuals. It emphasizes the importance of giving people second chances and highlights the power of meaningful relationships in shaping one’s character.
Significance of the Title:
The title, “The Thief’s Story,” is apt as it focuses on the life and transformation of the protagonist, Hari Singh. It highlights his journey from being a cunning thief to an individual striving for honesty and trustworthiness.
Lessons for Readers:
- The Power of Kindness:
Small acts of kindness can have a profound impact on others. Anil’s trust in Hari helps him realize his potential for good. - Trust Builds Bonds:
Anil’s trust in Hari fosters a relationship that ultimately changes Hari’s outlook on life. - People Can Change:
The story demonstrates that no one is beyond redemption. Even a thief like Hari can transform with the right guidance and support. - Importance of Second Chances:
Anil’s silent forgiveness provides Hari with an opportunity to reform, showing the value of second chances in life.
Conclusion:
“The Thief’s Story” by Ruskin Bond is a timeless tale of redemption and the transformative power of trust. Through the simple yet poignant relationship between Hari and Anil, the story inspires readers to believe in the goodness of people and the possibility of change. Ruskin Bond’s evocative storytelling makes this story a memorable exploration of human nature and the impact of compassion.
Importent FAQs on The Thiefs Story
1. Who does ‘I’ refer to in this story?
Ans: In this story, ‘I’ refers to the thief.
2. What is he “a fairly successful hand” at?
Ans: He was “a fairly successful hand” at stealing and robbing people.
3. What does he get from Anil in return for his work?
Ans: When Hari asked Anil if he could work for him, Anil said that he could not pay him. Finally, the agreement was that if he would cook, then Anil would feed him. However, Anil soon found out that he did not know how to cook. Therefore, he taught him how to cook and later, how to write his name. He promised he would teach him how to write whole sentences and how to add numbers. Apart from this, when Hari went out to buy the day’s supplies, he would make a profit of a rupee a day.
1. How does the thief think Anil will react to the theft?
Ans: The thief thought that on discovering the theft, Anil’s face would show a touch of sadness. The sadness would not be for the loss of money but for the loss of trust.
2. What does he say about the different reactions of people when they are robbed?
Ans: In his short career as a thief, he had made a study of men’s faces when they lost their goods. He said that the greedy men showed fear; the rich men showed anger and the poor men showed acceptance.
3. Does Anil realize that he has been robbed?
Ans: Yes, Anil had realized that he had been robbed. He knew this probably because all the notes were wet from the rain. However, he did not say anything to the thief and behaved normally.
1. What are Hari Singh’s reactions to the prospect of receiving an education? Do they change over time? (Hint: compare, for example, the thought: “I knew that once I could write like an educated man there would be no limit to what I could achieve” with these later thoughts: ‘Whole sentences, I knew, cloud one day bring me more than a few hundred rupees. It was a simple matter to steal − and sometimes just as simple to be caught. But to be a really big man, a clever and respected man, was something else.”) What makes him return to Anil?
Ans: Hari Singh’s reactions to the prospect of receiving an education change over time. When he started living with Anil he wanted to be literate so that he could become a more cunning cheat. Later on, there is a change in his heart. He wants to earn respect in life. Probably he is influenced by the calm in Anil’s life. Although both of them depend on irregular sources of income, Anil seems to be more satisfied. Hari Singh develops a desire to be part of the civilized society.
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?
Ans: Anil does not hand the thief over to the police because he has put the money back in its place. It shows that he realized his fault. He wants to make amends for his ways. He must have felt guilty about himself. Anil wants to give him one more chance and therefore forgives him, in today’s world most people would not have done so. Although it must be done such sort of patience and compassion are rarely found nowadays in this human world.
alk about It
1. Do you think people like Anil and Hari Singh are found only in fiction, or are there such people in real life?
Ans: No, I don’t think that people like Anil and Hari Singh are found only in fiction. There are such people in real life also. Although such people are rare in today’s society. If one is caught stealing, people will first beat him severely. Then he will be handed over to the police. It should be realized that a human being is bound to commit errors. One chance for reforming oneself must be given. This is the only way to bring anyone to the right path. Punishing severely is not the only solution. Strictness can make them absolute criminals.
2. Do you think it is a significant detail in the story that Anil is a struggling writer? Does this explain his behavior in any way?
Ans: Hari Singh’s observation about Anil getting irregular income and Anil’s statement about his sale of a book to a publisher indicates that he is a struggling writer. He lives life according to the flow of money he gets at a given time. When he gets the money he enjoys eating out with his friends. When he has less money then he even doesn’t accept paying salary to Hari Singh.
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