Worksheet Solutions: The Thief's Story

Q.1. How has the narrator described Anil?
(a) Simple 
(b) Kind 
(c) Easy-going 
(d) All of these

Ans: (d)

Explanation: The narrator shows Anil as simple through his unpretentious behaviour and lack of suspicion; as kind because he feeds and cares for Hari; and as easy-going since he trusts people and treats them gently. These three qualities are clearly evident from his actions, so option (d) is correct.

Q.2. How did the narrator attempt at being friends with Anil?
(a) Flattering him
(b) Teasing him
(c) Introducing himself
(d) None of these

Ans: (a)

Explanation: Hari Singh tried to win Anil's trust by praising and flattering him. He used compliments and friendly talk to make Anil feel valued and to lower his guard. This behaviour helped Hari gain Anil's confidence quickly.

Q.3. Why did Hari Singh approach Anil?

Ans: Hari Singh was a thief who had not been successful recently, so he approached Anil because he judged Anil to be an easy-going and simple person who would be an easy target. Hari intended to rob Anil and believed that gaining Anil's confidence would be simple.

Q.4. What did Anil and Hari agree upon to be the mode of payment?

Ans: When Anil said he could not pay money, he asked whether he could at least feed Hari. Hari then altered his plan to suit the situation, and Anil agreed to provide food if Hari knew how to cook. Thus, the agreed mode of payment became food and shelter rather than money.

Q.5. What made Hari Singh go back to Anil's house?

Ans: Hari realised the value of what Anil was offering-education and a chance to learn to read and write. After leaving with a few hundred rupees, Hari reflected on his future while taking shelter in the rain and understood that literacy would open better and more lasting opportunities than the money he had stolen. This recognition of education's importance made him return to Anil.

Q.6. State the events that took place on the night of the theft.

Ans: On the night of the theft, Hari stole Anil's money and left the house. He walked to the railway station but did not board the train to Lucknow. Instead he wandered slowly through the bazaar, not knowing anyone who would shelter him. When it began to rain heavily, he was forced to take shelter under the clock tower. While there he reflected on his life and the value of learning, which eventually led him to decide to return to Anil.

Q.7. How was the morning after the night of the theft?

Ans: The morning was ordinary. Hari woke up late and Anil had already made tea. Anil gave Hari a fifty-rupee note and told him that he would now be paid regularly. Hari understood that Anil suspected or knew about the theft, but Anil showed no anger and carried on with kindness.

Q.8. Had Anil really forgiven Hari Singh? Support your answer with evidence.

Ans: Yes, Anil had forgiven Hari Singh. Evidence for this is that Anil gave Hari a fifty-rupee note as soon as he woke and continued to treat him kindly. Instead of punishing Hari, Anil acted with trust and hope, indicating forgiveness and a belief that Hari could change.

Q.9. Money can't make a man as much as education can. Elucidate the statement.

Ans: The statement is true because money can buy comfort and goods, but it cannot give knowledge, skills or the ability to think and act wisely. Education develops a person's character, opens lasting opportunities, and enables steady progress in life. For example, Hari Singh chose the chance to become literate over keeping a few hundred rupees, knowing that learning to read and write would lead to better and more permanent prospects than quick money.

Q.10. Hari Singh didn't board the express and returned to Amil. Why did he return? On what values does this incident put light on?

Ans: Hari returned because his conscience told him that by stealing he had also robbed himself of the opportunity to learn and improve his life. He realised that literacy and training would give him a lasting future, whereas the stolen money was only a short-term gain. This incident highlights the values of remorse, conscience, redemption and the transforming power of compassion. Anil's kindness and willingness to forgive also show how love and understanding can inspire a person to change for the better.