What are the main themes explored in Ruskin Bond's 'The Thief's Story'?

The main themes include basic human values, trust, relationships, and the moral complexities of theft.

The protagonist, a fifteen-year-old thief, frequently changes his name to ___ to evade the police.

Stay ahead of the police

True or False: Anil, the writer, is depicted as a greedy character who is easily deceived by the thief.

False; Anil is portrayed as trusting and honest, making it difficult for the thief to deceive him.

How does the relationship between the thief and Anil evolve throughout the story?

Initially, the thief deceives Anil by stealing from him, but he later grapples with his conscience and ultimately decides not to take the money.

Fill in the blank: The story illustrates that a thief finds it easier to deceive a ___ person than an honest one.

Greedy

What motivated Hari Singh to befriend Anil despite his intentions to rob him?

Hari Singh wanted to befriend Anil to gain his trust and find an opportunity to steal from him, as he was a young boy who resorted to theft as a way of life.

Fill in the blank: Anil promised to teach Hari how to ___, ___, and ___ in addition to cooking.

Read, write, add numbers

True or False: Anil reacted with anger and reported Hari to the police after discovering the theft.

False: Anil did not treat Hari with disgust or report him to the police despite knowing about the theft.

How did Hari Singh's feelings change after he stole the money from Anil?

After stealing the money, Hari felt regret and agitation for cheating Anil, who had treated him well and taught him valuable skills.

What did Anil do the morning after Hari returned the stolen money?

Anil continued to treat Hari normally and offered him fifty rupees, which was a month's payment, demonstrating his understanding and kindness.

What is the central theme of 'The Thief's Story' by Ruskin Bond?

The central theme is that kindness and trust can change even the worst individuals, highlighting the importance of loyalty and the potential for redemption.

Fill in the blank: Once the trust of a person is lost, ___ is lost.

Everything

True or False: The story suggests that a person's past actions define their future completely.

False. The story suggests that everyone, including those with a troubled past, has the potential for change and redemption.

How does Hari Singh's perception of trust change throughout the story?

Hari Singh initially betrays Anil's trust by stealing from him, but ultimately he decides to return, realizing that breaking Anil's trust would lead to deep regret and a loss of connection.

Fill in the blank: The story emphasizes that ___ has the power to bring about change in people.

Kindness

What lesson does 'The Thief's Story' convey about relationships and trust?

The lesson conveyed is that trust is a fragile element in relationships, and once it is broken, it can lead to irreparable damage; thus, it is essential to uphold trust and be kind.

Define the term 'thief' and explain the implications of theft in society.

What does it mean to 'startle' someone, and what are some common situations in which this might occur?

To startle someone means to surprise and slightly frighten them. Common situations include sudden loud noises, unexpected movements, or surprises that catch a person off guard.

Fill in the blank: A 'bazaar' is an open market where people sell ___ and ___ goods.

Various and diverse

True or False: 'Cheating' can be defined as behaving dishonestly to achieve a desired outcome.

True

What role does 'confidence' play in a person's ability to perform tasks or make decisions?

Confidence is the quality of being certain of one's abilities, which can enhance performance, encourage risk-taking, and improve decision-making by reducing self-doubt.

In what contexts might the term 'damp' be used to describe an environment?

The term 'damp' describes an environment that is slightly wet, often in an uncomfortable way, such as a rainy day, a humid room, or after a spill that hasn't dried.

What is the meaning of 'discomfort' and how can it affect an individual’s daily life?

Discomfort refers to a feeling of being uncomfortable either physically or mentally, which can affect an individual's ability to concentrate, perform tasks, and enjoy activities.