CBSE Class 10 English Footprints NCERT Solutions: The Thief's Story

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NCERT Solutions PDF Class 10 PDF

This section provides detailed NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English (Footprints) Chapter 2, "The Thief's Story." The solutions cover key questions about the characters, particularly the narrator (Hari Singh) and Anil, exploring their relationship and motivations. Students will find explanations for Hari Singh's actions, his internal conflict regarding education, and Anil's compassionate response. These solutions break down the narrative, helping students understand themes of trust, deception, and the potential for change. They are designed to aid in comprehending the story's nuances and preparing effectively for exams by offering clear, step-by-step answers to critical thinking questions.

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Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 10
SubjectFootprints
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
Chapter2. The Thief's Story

Chapter summary

NCERT Solutions for "The Thief's Story" (Class 10 English, Footprints) offer in-depth answers to questions focusing on character analysis, plot comprehension, and thematic understanding. The solutions address Hari Singh's transformation, Anil's forgiving nature, and the story's exploration of trust and redemption. They guide students through understanding the narrator's change of heart and Anil's unique approach to dealing with dishonesty, providing a solid foundation for exam preparation.

Learning outcomes

  • Identify the narrator and his profession in 'The Thief's Story'.
  • Analyze the motivations behind Hari Singh's actions.
  • Understand the significance of Anil's trust and forgiveness.
  • Explain the different reactions of people when robbed, as observed by the thief.
  • Evaluate Hari Singh's changing perspective on education and its potential.
  • Discuss Anil's character and why he doesn't report Hari to the police.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Character Analysis: Hari Singh
  • Character Analysis: Anil
  • Plot Summary
  • Themes: Trust
  • Themes: Deception
  • Themes: Forgiveness
  • Themes: Redemption
  • Narrative Perspective
  • Hari Singh's Transformation
  • Anil's Compassion
  • The Significance of Education
  • Moral Dilemmas

Important topics

  • Hari Singh's Internal Conflict and Change
  • Anil's Reaction and Forgiveness
  • The Theme of Trust vs. Deception
  • The Role of Education in Transformation
  • Character Motivations

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Questions and Solutions

Read and Find Out - Question 1

Who does 'I' refer to in this story?
Solution: The narrator, who uses the pronoun 'I', is Hari Singh, a young and aspiring thief. He is the central character through whose eyes the events of the story unfold.

Read and Find Out - Question 2

What is he "a fairly successful hand" at?
Solution: The phrase "a fairly successful hand" refers to Hari Singh's skill and experience in the art of stealing and robbing people. He considers himself quite adept at this illicit profession.

Read and Find Out - Question 3

What does he get from Anil in return for his work?
Solution: Initially, Hari Singh works for Anil with the understanding that he will receive food and shelter in exchange for his services, which primarily involve cooking. Anil, however, soon discovers Hari's lack of cooking skills and begins to teach him. Beyond basic sustenance, Anil also teaches Hari how to cook properly, how to write his name, and promises to teach him how to write complete sentences and perform arithmetic. Additionally, Anil allows Hari to make a small profit of about a rupee a day by overcharging for daily supplies, which Hari considers a form of payment.

Read and Find Out - Question 1

How does the thief think Anil will react to the theft?
Solution: The thief believes that upon discovering the theft, Anil's reaction would not be one of anger or panic. Instead, he anticipates that Anil's face would show a "touch of sadness." This sadness, the thief surmises, would stem not from the financial loss, but from the betrayal of trust and the disappointment in Hari Singh.

Read and Find Out - Question 2

What does he say about the different reactions of people when they are robbed?
Solution: Based on his experiences as a thief, Hari Singh has observed distinct reactions from different types of people when they are robbed. He notes that greedy individuals tend to react with fear, perhaps fearing further loss. Rich people often respond with anger, possibly due to their sense of entitlement or pride. In contrast, poor people typically exhibit acceptance, likely because they have less to lose or are accustomed to hardship.

Read and Find Out - Question 3

Does Anil realize that he has been robbed?
Solution: Yes, Anil does realize that he has been robbed. Although he doesn't confront Hari Singh directly, the story implies he knows. The notes Hari stole were damp from the rain, which might have alerted Anil. However, Anil chooses not to acknowledge the theft openly and continues to treat Hari normally, suggesting he is aware but chooses a different approach.

Think about It - Question 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?
Solution: Initially, Hari Singh views education purely as a strategic tool for his thieving career. He believes that learning to read and write will enable him to achieve greater success and become a more cunning and effective thief, capable of stealing more significant amounts. His early thoughts reveal a pragmatic, self-serving motivation. However, over time, Hari's perspective shifts. Influenced by Anil's calm and trusting demeanor, Hari begins to develop a genuine desire for respect and a sense of belonging to a civilized society. He starts to understand that being a "clever and respected man" is different from merely being a successful thief. This internal change, a dawning sense of self-worth and aspiration for a better life, motivates him to return to Anil, not just for the practical benefits of education, but for the opportunity to truly reform.

Think about It - Question 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?
Solution: Anil does not hand Hari Singh over to the police primarily because he recognizes that Hari has already experienced a significant moral lesson and is showing genuine remorse and a desire for change. The fact that Hari returned the stolen money, despite the temptation, indicates this change. Anil, being a perceptive and kind-hearted person, understands this and chooses to offer Hari another chance rather than punishing him. Most people, especially employers who have been victims of theft, would likely hand the thief over to the police immediately, seeking justice and deterring future crime. Anil differs from such employers in his empathetic nature, his belief in the potential for human reform, and his willingness to forgive. Instead of focusing on punishment, he prioritizes giving Hari an opportunity to mend his ways and build a better future, demonstrating a more compassionate and understanding approach to dealing with dishonesty.
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Common mistakes

  • Confusing Hari Singh's initial motivation for learning with genuine desire.
  • Underestimating Anil's awareness of Hari's deceit.
  • Focusing solely on the theft without considering the theme of trust and change.

Revision tips

  • Reread the story, paying close attention to Hari Singh's internal thoughts.
  • Compare and contrast the characters of Hari Singh and Anil.
  • Analyze the significance of the title 'The Thief's Story'.
  • Consider the moral implications of Anil's actions.
  • Practice answering the 'Think about It' questions in your own words.

Practice MCQs

Q1. Who is the narrator and protagonist of 'The Thief's Story'?

Q2. What does Anil do for a living?

Q3. What is Hari Singh's initial motivation for learning to read and write?

Q4. How does Anil react when he discovers the theft?

Q5. What does Hari Singh learn from Anil besides reading and writing?

Q6. Why does Anil not hand Hari Singh over to the police?

Frequently asked questions

Who is 'I' in 'The Thief's Story'?

In 'The Thief's Story', 'I' refers to Hari Singh, the young thief who narrates the story.

What is Hari Singh's profession?

Hari Singh is a thief. He describes himself as a fairly successful hand at stealing and robbing.

What does Anil teach Hari Singh?

Anil teaches Hari Singh how to cook, how to write his name, and promises to teach him how to write whole sentences and add numbers.

Why does Hari Singh return to Anil after stealing his money?

Hari Singh returns because he is influenced by Anil's trusting nature and begins to desire a life of respect and normalcy, realizing that education could lead to greater achievements than theft.

How does Anil show his forgiveness towards Hari Singh?

Anil shows forgiveness by not reporting Hari to the police, even though he knows Hari stole the money. He continues to employ and teach Hari, giving him a chance to change.

What are the different reactions of people when robbed, according to the thief?

According to the thief, greedy people show fear, rich people show anger, and poor people show acceptance when they are robbed.

Important links

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