NCERT Class 10 Thief’s Story” by Ruskin Bond Question Answer
Think About It
1. What are Hari Singh’s reactions to the prospect of receiving an education? Do they change over time? What makes him return to Anil?
At first, Hari Singh sees education merely as a tool to enhance his skills in deception, believing that writing like an educated man would aid his thievery. However, as he spends time with Anil, who treats him with kindness and begins teaching him to read and write, Hari’s perspective shifts. He starts to value the honesty and respect that come with true education. This internal change, coupled with guilt over stealing from Anil, compels him to return and seek a better path.
2. Why does Anil not 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 chooses not to report Hari Singh to the police because he senses a genuine change in him. He values trust and believes in giving second chances. Unlike most employers who might have sought punishment, Anil’s compassionate and understanding nature sets him apart, aiming to reform rather than reprimand.
Talk 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?
While characters like Anil and Hari Singh are rare, they do exist in real life. Some individuals, like Anil, choose to trust and uplift others, even those with troubled pasts. Similarly, people like Hari Singh can change when given support and understanding.
2. Do you think it is 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 highlights his modest lifestyle and irregular income. This background explains his empathetic behavior towards Hari Singh, as he understands hardship and chooses kindness over judgment.
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 haven’t personally met someone like Hari Singh, it’s evident that poverty, lack of education, and absence of guidance can lead young individuals into crime. Desperation and survival instincts often drive such actions.
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 appears to be set in a city in northern India, possibly near Lucknow, as suggested by references to local trains and markets. The primary language spoken would likely be Hindi. Given the context, it’s probable that the characters conversed in Hindi rather than English.