Class 10 English Chapter 2 Question Answers - The Thief`s Story

Q1. Anil plays a major role in the transformation of Hari Singh. Comment on the statement by highlighting the values possessed by Anil, which touched Hari’s heart and made him return to his honest ways of earning his livelihood.
Ans: Anil was a kind and trusting man who provided Hari Singh with an opportunity to change his life. Despite being a struggling writer with no stable income, Anil offered Hari food, shelter, and education. He taught him to read and write, which profoundly impacted Hari, who had spent most of his life as a thief. After stealing Anil's money, Hari felt a deep sense of guilt and realised that earning an honest living was far more fulfilling than stealing. Anil's generosity moved Hari, prompting him to return the stolen money. Even after discovering the theft, Anil chose not to confront Hari. Instead, he continued to treat him with trust and kindness, demonstrating how compassion can lead to positive change.

Q2. How did Hari Singh come into contact with Anil? He breached Anil’s trust in him, but why did Anil not only forgive him but also promise to pay him regularly?
Ans: Hari Singh met Anil at a wrestling match where he pretended to be a cook. Although he lied about his cooking skills, Anil saw through the deception and decided to teach him how to cook, read, and write. Despite this opportunity, Hari succumbed to his old habits and stole Rs. 600 from Anil. Realising his mistake, he returned the money and resolved to live honestly. Anil, recognising Hari's internal struggle, chose not to punish him. Instead, he handed Hari a fifty-rupee note and promised him regular payments, believing that trust and forgiveness could inspire genuine change.

Q3. 'I couldn’t cook his meals, run to the bazaar or learn to write whole sentences anymore.' Hari Singh could not at once come out of the idea of working for Anil. Do you think he accepted the joy of earning money by following the path of honesty? Explain the values highlighted through Hari's character.
Ans: Initially, Hari Singh saw Anil as an easy target for theft. However, as he spent time with Anil, he developed an emotional bond. Despite his temptation to steal, Hari began to appreciate Anil's kindness and trust, making it hard for him to betray him. After stealing money, he was overwhelmed with guilt and ultimately chose to return it. This act marked a significant change in his perspective, leading him to realise that earning money through honesty was far more rewarding. Hari's journey illustrates important values such as self-reflection, gratitude, and the significance of education. His decision to return the stolen money reflects his desire to change and highlights that, with the right influence, even someone with a troubled past can embrace the path of honesty.

Q4. 'He was the most trusting person I had ever met.' Justify Hari Singh's statement about his benefactor, Anil. Did he breach Anil’s trust?
Ans: Hari Singh described Anil as the most trusting person he had ever met because Anil never doubted him, even when he was aware that Hari was taking small amounts of money from the grocery shopping. Anil even entrusted Hari with the key to his house, demonstrating his complete trust. However, Hari Singh did breach this trust by stealing Rs. 600. Despite this act, the weight of his guilt and the recognition of Anil’s kindness compelled Hari to return the money. Instead of confronting him, Anil forgave Hari without saying a word. This illustrates that Anil’s trust and forgiveness were crucial in helping Hari change for the better.

Q5. How did Hari Singh happen to stay with Anil? How did he stay with Anil before he tried to rob him?
Ans: Hari Singh met Anil at a wrestling match and falsely claimed he could cook to secure a job. Although Anil soon realised that Hari lacked cooking skills, he chose to teach him and allowed him to stay. During his time with Anil, Hari ran errands, made tea, and learned to read and write. This daily interaction fostered a strong bond of trust between them. However, old habits resurfaced, leading Hari to steal Rs. 600 from Anil. Despite his intention to rob him, Anil's trust made it difficult for Hari to go through with the theft. Ultimately, he returned the money, opting for a life of honesty instead.

Q6. If you were Anil, would you have pardoned the thief? If Yes/No, why?
Ans: Yes, if I were Anil, I would have pardoned Hari Singh, just as he did. Anil recognised that punishing Hari would not lead to positive change; instead, offering him trust and guidance could make a difference. By not confronting Hari about the theft and rewarding his return with a fifty-rupee note, Anil reinforced the idea that honesty and redemption are attainable. This approach allowed Hari to appreciate the value of integrity and education. Had Anil chosen to punish him, Hari might have continued his life as a thief. However, through forgiveness, he was given the opportunity to grow.

Q7. Give a character sketch of Anil. Did he know all about the theft? If so, why did he keep Hari Singh again to work for him?
Ans: Anil was a kind, generous, and trusting man. As a struggling writer, he lived a simple life but always maintained a helpful attitude. He took in Hari Singh, a dishonest thief, and taught him essential skills like cooking, reading, and writing. Although Anil suspected the theft, he chose not to confront Hari. Instead, he believed in forgiveness and understood that scolding Hari would only push him further into crime. By keeping Hari and even rewarding him with a fifty-rupee note, Anil demonstrated his belief in redemption and his understanding of human nature. This act of forgiveness helped Hari recognise the value of trust and honesty.

Q8. What does Hari Singh’s decision to return the stolen money suggest about his transformation?
Ans: Hari Singh’s decision to return the stolen money reflects a significant change in his character. Initially motivated by greed and the excitement of theft, his time spent with Anil, who showed him kindness and trust, led to a profound realisation. Hari came to understand that money earned through honest means was far more rewarding than stolen wealth. By returning the money, he demonstrated that even someone with a history of theft could transform when influenced by compassion and positive guidance.

Q9. How does the setting of the story contribute to its theme of trust and redemption?
Ans: The setting of the story, centred around Anil’s modest home, significantly contributes to the themes of trust and redemption. Anil’s simple lifestyle and his willingness to teach Hari highlight the value of personal growth over material wealth. The peaceful and humble environment stands in stark contrast to Hari’s past as a thief, creating a space that fosters reflection and self-improvement. Moreover, the absence of formal punishment in favour of redemption illustrates the transformative power of trust in a supportive setting. Anil’s calm and forgiving nature allows Hari to reconsider his choices, ultimately leading him towards a path of redemption.

Q10. Describe the sequence of events that took place after Hari Singh stole the money. Evaluate Hari Singh as a thief and as a human being. 
Ans: After Hari Singh stole the money, he initially felt a mix of excitement and guilt. He had planned to escape to Lucknow with the stolen cash, but as he sat in the rain, he began to reflect on his actions. The reality of his situation set in; he realised he could no longer enjoy the simple pleasures of life, like cooking for Anil or learning to write. The thrill of theft quickly turned into regret. As a thief, Hari Singh was skilled but also deeply conflicted. He understood that stealing was wrong, yet he justified his actions by thinking that Anil would waste the money. This rationalisation reveals a lack of moral grounding, indicating that he viewed theft as a means to an end rather than a crime. However, his internal struggle suggests that he was not entirely devoid of conscience. In terms of his character as a human being, Hari Singh displayed a complex mix of vulnerability and ambition. Despite his criminal actions, he was drawn to Anil’s kindness and the possibility of a better life through education. His decision to return the money at the end of the story highlights a significant moment of growth. It shows that he valued trust and friendship more than the money he had stolen, indicating a potential for change and redemption. Ultimately, Hari Singh embodies the struggle between right and wrong. His journey reflects the challenges faced by those who find themselves in difficult circumstances, suggesting that even a thief can possess the capacity for goodness and change.