NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Footprints without Feet Chapter 2 The Thief Story

The Thief’s Story by Ruskin Bond is one of the most meaningful and inspiring chapters in Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet. It tells the story of a young thief named Hari Singh, who at the age of fifteen, is already experienced in stealing. However, his encounter with Anil, a kind and simple man, changes his life forever. To help students understand this chapter better, we provide detailed NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet Chapter 2 The Thief Story. These solutions present every concept in simple words, making it easier for students to prepare for exams.

The Thief Story question answer sets are designed to explain the chapter in a step-by-step manner. By going through these, students can learn how Ruskin Bond beautifully shows that trust, kindness, and education have the power to transform a person. With the help of the class 10 English The Thief Story question answer, learners will also understand the importance of honesty over crime.

This chapter is important not only for exams but also for life lessons. The The Thief Story class 10 question answers help students analyze how Hari Singh feels guilty after stealing money from Anil and why he decides to return. The Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet Chapter 2 question answer explains that Anil values trust more than money and forgives Hari, hoping he will choose the right path.

For revision purposes, these The Thief’s Story class 10 questions and answers are very useful. They cover all the key points like Hari Singh’s background, his habit of stealing, his bond with Anil, and his change of heart. Students can also download the The Thief Story question answer PDF for quick practice before exams.

Do Check: NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Footprints Without Feet

The solutions are written in simple words so that every student can understand them clearly. The Class 10 English Chapter 2 The Thief Story question answer helps students learn how to frame answers properly, while also improving their writing style. Whether it is a short question or a long descriptive one, these solutions will give them confidence.

The Thief Story Class 10 Question Answers

Question 1: Who does ‘I’ refer to in this story?

Answer: The word "I" in the story refers to Hari Singh, the narrator. He is a fifteen-year-old boy who is an experienced thief.

Question 2: What is he "a fairly successful hand" at?

Answer: Hari Singh is described as "a fairly successful hand" at stealing. He has become skilled in theft and does it so neatly and quickly that people rarely catch him.

Question 3: What does he get from Anil in return for his work?

Answer: In return for helping Anil with daily work, Hari Singh receives food to eat and a place to live. Anil does not give him money but takes care of his basic needs.

Question 4: How does the thief think Anil will react to the theft?

Answer: Hari feels that Anil will not be upset because of losing money but because he will lose trust in Hari. This thought troubles Hari more than the act of stealing itself.

Question 5: What does he say about the different reactions of people when they are robbed?

Answer: From his experience, Hari observes that people react differently to theft:

• A greedy person becomes fearful.
• A wealthy person shows anger.
• A poor man accepts the loss calmly.

Do Check: NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English

Question 6: Does Anil realize that he had been robbed?

Answer: Yes, Anil realizes that Hari had stolen money. The next morning, when he gave Hari a fifty-rupee note, it was damp from the rain, which confirmed his suspicion.

Question 7: What are Hari Singh’s reactions to the idea of receiving an education? Do they change over time? What makes him return to Anil?

Answer: At first, Hari is very excited when Anil teaches him to write his name and promises to teach him to write whole sentences. He feels that education can change his life and give him respect and new opportunities.

Later, when Hari steals money and runs away, he realizes that theft gives him only temporary benefits, while education can help him achieve much more in life. This thought makes him return to Anil, as he values learning and a respectable future more than stolen money.

Question 8: Why does Anil not hand the thief over to the police? How is Anil different from other employers?

Answer: Anil does not punish Hari or hand him over to the police. Instead, he forgives him silently and continues to teach him. Unlike others, Anil is kind, patient, and understanding. He believes that giving Hari a chance to learn will help him live a better life.

Question 9: Do you think people like Anil and Hari Singh exist only in stories or in real life too?

Answer: Characters like Anil and Hari Singh are mostly seen in stories, but in rare cases, such people may exist in real life. Anil’s kindness and Hari’s change of heart after realizing the value of education are uncommon, but they show us the power of trust and forgiveness.

Question 10: Why is it important in the story that Anil is a struggling writer?

Answer: Anil being a struggling writer shows that he leads a simple life with limited money. Sometimes he earns well, but at other times he worries about payments. This detail explains why Anil values honesty and also why he was not greatly disturbed by the theft.

Question 11: Have you ever met anyone like Hari Singh? What can turn a 15-year-old boy into a thief?

Answer: No, I have not met anyone exactly like Hari Singh, but such people may exist. A boy of fifteen may become a thief because of poverty, hunger, lack of family support, or bad company. Sometimes circumstances push children into crimes at an early age.

Question 12: Where is the story set? Which language do you think the characters spoke?

Answer: The story seems to be set in Uttar Pradesh near Lucknow, as the Express train to Lucknow is mentioned. The setting includes bazaars and sweet shops, which indicate a town environment. The characters likely spoke Hindi, not English.

Also Check: NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English First Flight

Summary of The Thief’s Story

The Thief’s Story by Ruskin Bond is about a fifteen-year-old thief named Hari Singh, who changes his name frequently to avoid being caught. He is skilled at stealing and tricking people into trusting him. One day, he meets Anil, a simple, kind-hearted, struggling writer. Hari plans to win his trust and then rob him.

Anil gives Hari food, shelter, and promises to teach him to read and write. Hari is happy because he knows education can change his life. But one night, out of habit, he steals money from Anil and runs away. Soon, his conscience troubles him. He realizes that theft will only give him short-term gains, while education can give him respect and a better future.

Hari returns the money and decides to stay with Anil. Though Anil realizes the theft, he says nothing. Instead, he continues to teach Hari. The story shows the importance of trust, kindness, forgiveness, and education in changing a person’s life.