2. THE THIEF’S STORY
Introduction: Hari Singh’s Meeting with Anil
Hari Singh, a 15-year-old experienced thief, meets Anil, a simple, kind-hearted man, while watching a wrestling match. Hari flatters Anil and manages to gain his trust, offering to work for him despite not being paid. He lies about his name and skills, including his ability to cook, to stay with Anil.
Anil’s Trust and Generosity
Anil, a struggling writer, allows Hari to stay and teaches him how to cook, write, and add numbers. Hari is touched by Anil’s trust and generosity, realizing the value of education and the possibilities it could bring.
The Theft
One evening, after Anil sells a book and brings home ⅜00, Hari decides to rob him. He takes the money and runs to catch a train but hesitates and misses it. Wandering aimlessly in the rain, he reflects on how stealing is easy but gaining respect and education is much more valuable.
Hari’s Change of Heart
Realizing that education could help him achieve more than theft ever could, Hari decides to return the stolen money. He sneaks back into Anil’s room and puts the damp notes back under the mattress.
Anil’s Forgiveness
The next morning, Anil hands Hari a ^50 note and mentions paying him regularly. Hari notices the note is damp, indicating Anil knows about the theft but chooses not to confront him, preserving the trust between them.
Characters:
• Hari Singh: A young, clever thief who learns the value of trust and education.
• Anil: A generous and trusting writer who teaches Hari valuable life skills.
Themes:
Trust and Redemption: Anil’s trust transforms Hari, making him abandon his ways.
Education and Growth: Hari’s desire to learn and improve his life serves as a turning point.
Humanity and Kindness: Anil’s behavior emphasizes the power of forgiveness and generosity.
Moral of the Story:
Trust and kindness can inspire people to change for the better.
True success comes from hard work, education, and respect, not deceit.
Extract Based Questions:
1.”Anil was the most trusting person I had ever met. And that is why it was so difficult to rob him. It’s easy to rob a greedy man because he can afford to be robbed, but it’s difficult to rob a careless man – sometimes he doesn’t even notice he’s been robbed and that takes all the pleasure out of the work.”
1) Why was Anil difficult to rob?
Answer: Anil was difficult to rob because he was trusting and careless. He wouldn’t even notice being robbed, which made it less satisfying for the thief.
2) What does the line “It’s easy to rob a greedy man” suggest about the speaker’s mindset?
Answer: It refIects the speaker’s justification for his actions, showing he finds it morally easier to steal from those he perceives as greedy.
3) Identify the tone of the speaker in this extract.
A. Sarcastic B. Reflective C. Regretful D. Confident
Answer: B. Reflective
4) What does this extract reveal about the relationship between Anil and the thief?
Answer: The extract highlights the trust Anil places in the thief and the internal conflict the thief experiences due to this trust.
2.”I slipped the notes back under the mattress. My heart was beating noisily. I crept out of the room and stood in the veranda in the clouds of the rain. The night was chilly – it was early November – and I had the sense of loss of a man who has missed an opportunity.”
1) Why did the thief return the money?
Answer: The thief returned the money because he felt guilty about betraying Anil’s trust and realized that Anil’s kindness had inspired him to change.
2) What does the phrase “sense of loss of a man who has missed an opportunity” signify?
Answer: It signifies the thief’s initial regret for not keeping the money but also hints at his realization that he had gained something more valuable – self-respect and trust.
3) What literary device is used in “my heart was beating noisily”?
Answer: Personification, as the heart is described as if it could make a noise, reflecting the thief’s nervousness and internal struggle.
4) What does the rain symbolize in this extract?
Answer: The rain symbolizes the thief’s emotional cleansing and his journey towards a new beginning.
Top IO PYQs:
Short Answer Questions (40-50 words each)
1. Why did Hari Singh decide to rob Anil? What does this reveal about his character? (2020, 2022)
Hari Singh was attracted to Anil’s trusting and generous nature, seeing an easy opportunity to steal money. It shows his cunning and manipulative personality but also his inner conflict about morality.
2. What was Anil’s reaction when he found out about the theft? (2019, 2023)
Anil remained calm and didn’t confront Hari. Instead, he showed trust by giving him money the next day. This indicates Anil’s forgiving and understanding nature.
3. What does Hari Singh mean by “If I don’t learn to write my name, I’ll remain a thief”? (2021, 2023)
Hari realized that education could open up opportunities for an honest life. Without learning, he would be stuck in a cycle of crime.
4. How did Hari Singh feel after robbing Anil? (2020, 2021)
Hari felt guilty and uneasy. He realized he had betrayed the trust of someone who was kind to him, leading him to return the stolen money.
5. What made Hari Singh return to Anil after stealing the money? (2018, 2022)
Hari’s guilt and desire for a better life prompted him to return. He valued Anil’s trust and kindness over the temporary gain from the theft.
Long Answer Questions (100-120 words each)
1. How does the story “The Thief’s Story” reflect the themes of trust and forgiveness? (2019, 2022)
The story showcases how trust can transform a person. Anil’s faith in Hari Singh, even after realizing the theft, leads Hari to change his ways. Anil’s forgiveness provides Hari with a chance to reform, highlighting the power of kindness in human relationships.
2. Discuss the internal conflict of Hari Singh and how it contributes to the story’s message. (2020, 2023)
Hari struggles between his habit of stealing and his desire for a better life. His guilt after stealing Anil’s money and his ultimate decision to return it reflect the human capacity for self-realization and transformation.
3. Why is the relationship between Hari Singh and Anil central to the story? Explain with examples. (2019, 2023)
The bond between Hari and Anil highlights themes of trust, redemption, and personal growth. Anil’s kindness and belief in Hari Singh’s potential influence his decision to reform, making their relationship the driving force of the story.
4. What life lesson does “The Thief’s Story” teach us? (2021, 2023)
The story teaches the importance of trust, kindness, and forgiveness. It shows how a positive influence can lead to personal transformation, emphasizing the value of second chances in life.
5. Explain how education is portrayed as a means of transformation in the story. (2020, 2022)
Education is seen as a path to redemption. Hari Singh realizes that learning to read and write could help him lead an honest life. This realization marks a turning point in his journey toward self-improvement
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