This page offers The Thief Story long answer type question for Class 10  from the book Footprints Without Feet. We’ve put together a bunch of long answer type question based on assumption, creativity, extrapolation and critical thinking. These types of questions are introduced after 2024 in CBSE Board. So, practice to understand The Thief Story long answer type question
The Thief Story Long Question Answer
1. Question: How do you think Hari Singh’s life changed after the events of the story? Use details from the story and your imagination to explain. Answer in around 120 words
Answer: After the story, Hari Singh’s life must have changed a lot. Anil was very kind and trusted him a lot. This made Hari to stop stealing and live an honest life. He might have kept learning from Anil, getting better at reading and writing. Maybe he even went back to school.
With his new skills, Hari could have found a good job, like working in a shop or an office. Because Anil helped him, Hari might have wanted to help others too. He could have taught kids who lived on the streets or helped at places where they teach people for free.
Hari’s life changed from being a thief to helping others. This shows how kindness and learning can really change someone’s life and give them a new start.
2. Question: Imagine Anil found out about the theft the next morning. How do you think he would have confronted Hari Singh, and what would he have said? Answer in around 120 words
Answer: If Anil found out about the theft, he would talk to Hari Singh calmly and politely. He might say he was sad, not because of the money, but because he felt cheated. Anil would ask Hari why he did it and really listen to his answer.
Anil is kind and would tell Hari that making mistakes is normal. The important thing is to learn from them and try not to make them again. If Anil gave Hari another chance, it would show he believes Hari can change.
This talk would be very important for Hari. It would show him that Anil really cares about him and his future. Anil’s kindness could help Hari choose to live better from now on.
Also Read:
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3. Question: Why do you think Hari Singh wanted to learn cooking even though he was not good at it at first? How do you think trying to cook helped him feel more confident and willing to try other new things? Answer in around 120 words
Answer: Hari Singh wanted to show Anil, and maybe himself, that he could do good things. Even though he failed at cooking the first time, Anil was patient and supportive. This helped Hari keep trying. He learned that making mistakes is normal when you’re learning something new, and it’s important to keep going.
As Hari got better at cooking, he also started feeling more confident. This made him want to try other new things too. Growing more confident was a big change for Hari. It helped him see himself in a new way.
He found out that learning new skills can be fun and make you feel good. Anil’s kind and gentle help was very important in Hari’s effort to get better and realise what he could do.
4. Question: Think about how Anil taught Hari Singh. How did Anil’s way of teaching help Hari learn better? How could this affect Hari’s future? Answer in around 120 words
Answer: Anil taught Hari with kindness, patience, and hands-on help. This made learning fun for Hari. Instead of getting mad at mistakes, Anil helped Hari fix them and encouraged him to keep going. This kind of teaching made Hari feel safe and supported. It helped him learn faster and better.
These good experiences in learning might make Hari more open to trying new things in the future and believe in himself more. Also, seeing how Anil taught might make Hari want to teach others in the same kind and supportive way. This could keep the good cycle of teaching and learning going.
5. Question: If Hari Singh wrote a letter to Anil 10 years after the story ended, what would he say? Describe the contents of the letter, focusing on Hari’s life changes and gratitude. (Don’t write complete letter) Answer in around 120 words
Answer:Â In his letter to Anil, Hari Singh would talk about how much his life has changed in the last ten years. He would excitedly tell Anil about the new skills he has learned, the good job he has now, and the happiness of possibly having his own family. Hari would share stories that show how Anil’s advice helped him make smart choices and help others in need, just like Anil helped him.
The main thing Hari would express in his letter is his deep thanks to Anil for believing in him and giving him a new start in life. This letter, full of thanks and respect, would show how much Anil’s kindness and teaching changed Hari. It would highlight how thankful Hari is for the big difference Anil made in his life, helping him grow and do good for others.
6. Question: What does a day in Hari Singh’s life look like five years after the story? Explain how his time with Anil affects what he does every day and how he talks to people. Answer in around 120 words
Answer: Five years later, Hari Singh’s day would start with going to his job, maybe at a library or a community centre where he helps people learn to read and write. He would use easy and kind ways to teach, just like Anil taught him. During breaks, he might share stories with his friends about his past and how Anil changed his life, always speaking of Anil with great respect and thankfulness.
After work, Hari might volunteer at a shelter, cooking meals for those in need, remembering his early cooking days with Anil. At home, he’d spend time reading, always trying to learn more, just like Anil encouraged him to.
Hari’s life would be about giving back, showing kindness, and being honest, all lessons he learned from Anil.
7. Question: How would Hari Singh explain the concept of trust to a young friend, using his own experiences with Anil as an example? Answer in around 120 words
Answer: Hari Singh would share a story with a young friend about a big mistake he once made – he took money from Anil. Actually Anil was someone who really believed in him. Despite this, Anil didn’t get angry or lose faith in Hari. He continued to teach Hari and treat him with kindness.
Through this, Hari learned what true trust means: it’s when you keep believing in someone and support them, even if they make a mistake. This experience with Anil made Hari want to improve himself and make better choices.
Hari’s story would highlight how important and powerful trust can be. It can make a huge difference in someone’s life, helping them to change for the better and grow as a person.
8. Question: Imagine Hari Singh facing a tough choice that tests what he learned from Anil. What is the choice, and how does he handle it? Answer in around 120 words
Answer: One day, Hari Singh might find a wallet full of money on the ground. He might think about his old days as a thief and feel tempted to keep the wallet. But then he would remember Anil, the man who trusted him a lot. Anil taught him to be honest and kind.
Thinking about this, Hari would decide to find the wallet’s real owner and return it. This choice would show how much Anil changed his life. Hari returning the wallet would prove he is now honest and good, just like Anil wanted. It would be a big moment for Hari, showing everyone he has changed for the better.
9. Question: What might a meeting between Hari Singh and Anil look like years later? How have they both changed, and what do they talk about? Answer in around 120 words
Answer: Many years later, Hari Singh and Anil might meet in a cafe owned by Hari. Anil would be surprised and pleased to see how much Hari has changed. Hari would look confident and kind, showing he is no longer the troubled, dishonest boy he used to be earlier. They would sit with cups of tea.
Hari would tell Anil about his life – how he used the lessons Anil taught him to build a good life for himself and help others. Anil would share stories from his life, maybe about his travels and the books he has written. T
hey would talk about how important trust, kindness, and second chances are. They would feel thankful for the unexpected friendship that changed both of their lives.
10. Question: If Hari Singh met a young boy like he was before meeting Anil, how might he help him using his own experiences? Answer in around 120 words
Answer: If Hari Singh met a young boy like he used to be, he would likely recognise his past self in the boy. Remembering how Anil’s kindness transformed his life, Hari would meet the boy kindly and might share his own story to connect with him. He would offer the boy help, like a job or a chance to learn, just as Anil did for him.
Hari would be patient and understanding, knowing that trust and kindness can really make a difference. He would aim to be like Anil for this boy, showing belief in him and giving him a chance to improve.
In doing this, Hari would pass on the kindness he received from Anil, helping another young person find their way, showing that change is possible with support and understanding.
11. Question: If Hari Singh wrote a memoir (historical account) years later, what important moments and lessons from Anil would he include in his book? Answer in around 120 words
Answer: In his book about his life, Hari Singh would start by talking about how meeting Anil changed everything for him. He would write the story of how Anil trusted him from the start, letting him into his home and life.
Hari would share about the time he stole money from Anil and how bad he felt afterwards, which made him return the money. The biggest lessons Hari learned from Anil that he’d want to share in his book would be about how important it is to trust others, how everyone deserves a second chance, and how learning new things can change your life.
He’d talk about how Anil showed him that being rich isn’t about having lots of money but about having good friends and growing as a person. Hari’s book would be a way to say thank you to Anil for helping him become a better person.
12. Question: If Anil had money problems later on, how might Hari Singh help him, considering the gratitude and lessons he learned from Anil? Answer in around 120 words
Answer: If Anil faced money problems later, Hari Singh would likely want to help him. He would remember all the kindness Anil had shown him. Using the skills Anil taught him, Hari might find ways to help. If Hari owned a business, he could offer Anil a job. Or, he might just give Anil some money to get by.
Hari would want to ensure Anil was okay and had what he needed, just like Anil once did for him. This would be Hari’s way of thanking Anil and showing how much he valued him. Helping Anil would also make Hari feel good, as he could return the kindness he once received.
13. Question: If Hari Singh spoke to young people like he used to be, what advice would he give them based on how Anil changed his life? Answer in around 120 words
Answer: If Hari Singh could talk to young people who were living like he used to, he would share his own story to show them they can change themselves. He would talk about his past as a thief and how meeting Anil turned his life around. Hari would explain how Anil’s trust and kindness opened up a new path for him, leading to a better future.
He’d encourage them to find someone trustworthy and be open to learning, just as he learned from Anil. Hari would say it’s okay to make mistakes if you learn from them and try to improve.
His main message would be about the power of kindness, trust, and second chances in changing lives. Hari would want them to know it’s never too late to make better choices.
14. Question: How does the concept of trust influence personal growth and relationships, as shown in the story of Hari Singh and Anil? Answer in around 120 words.
Answer: In the story of Hari Singh and Anil, trust is shown very important for personal growth and building relationships. Anil trusts Hari even though he knows he was a thief. This trust gives Hari the stability and emotional support he needs to think about changing his life. Anil doesn’t just watch over him; he teaches him important skills like reading and writing.
These skills offer Hari new chances beyond a life of crime. When Hari decides to return the stolen money, it shows that Anil’s trust made him think about his choices and pick a better path.
This not only helps Hari grow as a person but also makes their relationship stronger. The story shows that trust can really change people and bring them closer together.
15. Question: Discuss how forgiveness matters in the story between Hari Singh and Anil. How does forgiving someone who did wrong help both people involved? Answer in around 120 words
Answer: In the story of Hari Singh and Anil, forgiveness is very powerful. Anil decides to forgive Hari for stealing money, which changes both of their lives. Forgiving isn’t just about ignoring a wrong.
It’s about believing Hari can change. This forgiveness makes Hari realise he can be trusted and can improve himself, so he returns the stolen money and works to live honestly.
For Anil, choosing to forgive instead of being angry or punishing Hari supports his own beliefs in helping others. This not only keeps their relationship strong but also makes it deeper and more meaningful. They build a bond based on mutual respect and understanding.
So, in the story, forgiveness helps Hari grow and supports Anil’s values, showing that forgiveness can lead to better behaviour and personal growth for both the person forgiving and the one forgiven.
16. Question: Think about how second chance is important in Hari Singh’s story. How can giving someone a second chance change life? Answer in around 120 words.
Answer: The story of Hari Singh shows how important second chances are. Anil gives Hari a second chance by forgiving him for stealing and by continuing to teach him. This changes Hari’s life, moving him away from crime and towards learning and self-improvement.
For Anil, giving this chance strengthens his own beliefs in kindness and the power of second chances. It makes his life better too, as he feels good about helping someone change for the better. This not only helps Hari change his life but also shows Anil how much impact kindness and patience can have.
Giving a second chance can truly change someone’s future and make the giver’s life richer, showing how important empathy and support are in relationships.
17. Question: Think about how Anil’s mentorship for Hari Singh shows the impact of good guidance. How can guidance change lives and even help communities? Answer in around 120 words.
Answer: Anil’s help for Hari Singh in the story shows how good mentoring can change lives and communities. Anil does more than teaching. He really supports Hari by teaching him important skills like reading, writing, and being honest. This helps Hari see a life beyond stealing and encourages him to make better choices and grow as a person.
Anil’s mentoring gives Hari more than just knowledge. It builds his confidence and character. By trusting Hari despite his past, Anil shows that trust and respect from a mentor can inspire someone to do better. When people improve themselves, they can also have a good impact on those around them.
This leads to healthier and more supportive communities. Good mentorships can start a chain reaction, where people who are mentored become mentors themselves, spreading positive changes and helping their communities grow.
18. Question: How does education change someone’s life, as shown in Hari Singh’s story? How can learning new skills help improve someone’s future and personal growth? Answer in around 120 words.
Answer: In the story of Hari Singh, education changes his life. Hari starts as a small thief. His life starts to change when Anil teaches him to read and write. This education does more than teach him literacy; it boosts Hari’s self-esteem and shows him he can do more than just survive by stealing.
Learning new skills opens up chances for real jobs and helps Hari make smarter choices, leading to a more stable and happy life. Education also makes Hari think about how he can help society.
Through Hari’s story, we learn that education is more than just learning facts. It’s a key tool for personal growth and a better future. It helps people move away from bad habits and see new opportunities.
19. Question: How might Anil’s mind about trusting others change if Hari had never returned the stolen money? Answer in around 120 words.
Answer: If Hari hadn’t returned the stolen money, Anil might have become more careful about trusting others. At first, Anil trusted Hari, seeing a hope of improvement in him despite his past. But being betrayed by Hari could have made Anil doubt his judgement about people.
This might make him more careful and cautious in the future. He might make more strict rules and take longer to trust the unknown people. Still, because Anil is forgiving and optimistic, he might try to see the good in others, just more cautiously. Anil’s kindness would stay, but he might be more careful about who he trusts.
20. Question:What if Hari told Anil right away that he stole the money? Would it change their relationship or not? Explain with reason
Answer: If Hari had told Anil right away about stealing the money, it could have been a big moment of honesty between them. Hari’s honesty could have made Anil trust him more. Anil, being kind and understanding, might have liked that Hari was honest. He could have used this as a chance to talk about why being honest is important.
This honesty might have made their relationship stronger. It would show that talking openly and being honest are really important for trust. Anil probably would have been supportive, focusing on the lesson instead of feeling betrayed.
This could help Hari learn why honesty matters. In the end, this could have helped Hari grow as a person and made him respect and care for Anil even more, seeing him not just as a teacher but also as someone who forgives and helps him.
21. Question: If Hari decided to start a nonprofit organisation to support street children, what specific programs or initiatives might he implement based on his own life experiences?
Answer: If Hari started a nonprofit for street kids, he’d focus on things that helped him in life. He’d have classes to teach kids to read and write so they can have more chances. Hari would also want to connect kids with adults who can help them, like Anil did for him.
He might also have workshops to teach useful skills like cooking or making things, so the kids can have jobs one day. To help them feel better, Hari would have therapy sessions regularly. This would help them deal with hard things they’ve been through and feel supported by others.
Overall, Hari’s programs would aim to make a safe and caring place for kids to grow and be stable, just like Anil did for him.
22. Question: Discuss how Anil’s positive values influenced Hari Singh’s transformation. Mention the specific qualities Anil displayed that encouraged Hari to choose honesty. Please keep your response within 100-120 words.
Answer: Anil was a writer who struggled to make ends meet. He made friends with Hari Singh, a 15-year-old who was good at stealing. Hari thought it would be easy to steal from Anil. Anil let him stay and promised to teach him to read and write. As they spent time together, Anil began to trust Hari.
But Hari was looking for a chance to steal. He finally stole some money and planned to run away for good. However, something inside him stopped him. He decided to go back to Anil because he wanted to live a life he could be proud of. Anil, who knew about the theft, welcomed Hari back without any anger.
Anil’s kindness helped Hari change for the better. This story shows that trust and forgiveness can really help change a person.
23. Question: Hari Singh didn’t admit to stealing from Anil. Was he too scared, or did he just want to stay friends with Anil? Write about the values Hari needs to learn in about 100 words.
Answer: Hari Singh didn’t confess to stealing from Anil because he was afraid and valued their relationship. He feared losing Anil’s trust and the chance to make himself better through education and guidance.
Hari realized the importance of honesty and trust through his relationship with Anil. He needs to learn the value of honesty, as it is essential for building and maintaining trust in relationships.
Additionally, he should embrace responsibility for his actions, which would help him grow into a respected and upright person. These values would not only improve his life but also strengthen his relationships with others.
24. Question: Hari Singh thought it was hard to steal from someone like Anil. Do you think he really valued kind people? Discuss about the values that prevent someone from doing wrong.
Answer- Hari Singh found it hard to steal from Anil because Anil was not just a simple target; he was kind and trusting. Hari appreciated these qualities, which made it difficult for him to cheat Anil. When someone is good to us, it can make us feel guilty about doing wrong things.
This shows how Hari struggled with his decision to steal. Even though he initially took the money, his conscience and the respect he had for Anil brought him back. The values of honesty and respect for others play a big role here. They can stop someone from making bad choices.
These values are important because they help us build trust and better relationships with others. Hari’s story shows how being treated with kindness can change a person’s heart.
Note- Following are the old stylish questions. These were asked before 2023-24. Actually these questions focus more on memory rather than creative thinking, imagination and extrapolation.
1. 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. Write in about 100-120 words.
 Ans. Anil was a struggling writer who befriended Had Singh. Hari Singh was an experienced, 15-year-old thief. He found Anil an easy target to steal. Anil offered him to stay with him and to teach how to read and write. Gradually, Anil develops trust in Hari Singh.
But Hari Singh was waiting for the right opportunity to do what he was best at. After stealing money, he tried to go away forever but some inner voice stopped him from doing so. He returned to Anil because he wanted to live a life of respect.
Anil did not show that he knew the incident and accepted Hari with open hands. Thus, a well-intentioned person, Anil changed Had Singh and brought him on the right path. The story shows that trust and spirit to forgive someone can bring big changes in someone’s life.
2. Hari Singh didn’t confess that he robbed Anil. Did he lack the courage to do so or he really wanted to maintain his relationship with Anil at any cost? Explain the values Had needed to imbibe in about 100-120 words.
 Ans. Hari Singh was a teenager, of 15. He was good at stealing. He chose Anil to be his next target as he was a struggling author and a simple person. Had Singh started living with Anil who in turn, started teaching him how to read and write? Hari Singh, one day got the opportunity to steal Anil’s money.
He left out with the money to go away forever but his inner “ice stopped him. He returned back and kept the money in place. Next morning he started with his routine work and didn’t tell anything about the incident to Anil.
He was a teenager and lacked the courage to face Anil with his truth. He did not want to lose Anil’s trust. He wanted to maintain the relationship with Anil, wanted to get an education and become a respected man. So, he hid the incident from Anil.
3.”But to be a really big man, a clever and respected man was something else.” Hari 11311 finally accepted the importance of education and honest living. What do you think about the role of education in changing peeps I like Hari / Comment on it by highlighting the values one imbibes through education.
Ans. Hari Singh finally realized the significance of education in life. He understood that g would only provide him money temporarily. Also, there was the risk of being caught.
Education provides one with respectability and Had finally seen that. Educating people, rather heels like the wrongly talented rant on sin tea Elion north duet open the speed rerate mine. They fail Hari, can help them immensely. Childrendsthematic dittoed see the difference between right and enables them to see this difference.
It leads them on the path of truth and rational thinking. Thus, education is an essential aspect of any child’s life and can help culminate an honourable way of living.
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4. Hari Singh believed that it was difficult to rob a man like Anil. Do you think that he really appreciated kind people? Why do you think he found it difficult to cheat a man like Anil? Discuss the values that stop a person from doing something wrong.
 Ans. Hari did appreciate kind people as is evident from the story. In the descriptions that he gives about various people, Anil stands apart. Perhaps it was the first time that anyone had done so much for Hari.
Later, as he was running away after robbing Anil, his conscience kept pricking him. He was unable to betray the trust of the kind Anil. It was perhaps also because Hari was not a hardened criminal.
He had probably become a thief due to circumstance, not by choice. His innate goodness and natural capacity to distinguish right from wrong stopped him from doing further wrong. These values help others too.
5.”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 Hares character in 100-120 word.
Ans. When Hari Singh saw Anil for the first time, he found him to be simple, easy-going, kind and easy to fool around. He thought he would be the right person to rob. He offered himself to work for him.
When Anil said that he could not pay him, he said if he could feed him. Anil replied that if he knew how to cook, then he would let him work in his house. When he stayed there for a month, he realized Anil was the most difficult person to rob as he was the most trusting person.
Although, one night he stole six hundred rupees but returned back to Anil as he realized that getting education would be far more important in life than money. Hence, he accepted the joy of earning money by following the path of honesty.
6.”You look a bit of a wrestler yourself.” I said. A little flattery helps in making friends. Hari Singh believed that a little flattery can help in making friends. Did he lack love and empathy? Was his attitude towards friendship acceptable or not? Explain the values one must have to win over true friends in 100-120 words.
Ans. Hari Singh was an experienced thief. He knew how to win others’ trust. He saw Anil who was watching a wrestling match, he was a slim, lean man of 25. He found him an easy target to rob. He started talking to him by saying that he looked like a wrestler. Then he told Anil that he wanted to work for him.
When Anil told him that he could not pay him-he, in order to win his confidence asked Anil if he could feed him. This kind of attitude is not acceptable to win over true friends. True friends show love, empathy and true care for theirs. friends.
7. The chapter shows Hari Singh’s journey from a thief to an honest man who value friendship and other human values. Do you think it was Anil’s selfless friendship that he Hari to redeem himself? Give reasons in support of your answer in 100-120 words.
Ans. The chapter reveals Hari Singh’s transformation from a thief into an honest It was Anil’s selfless friendship that helped Hari to redeem himself. Gradually the Hari Singh began to understand human values such as friendship and trust.
When robbed Anil, he felt guilty of having violated the trust that Anil had reposed in him. He could not board the train and missed his chance to get away.
Moreover, he and kand even valued Anil’s friendship feelings toward him as he knew that after discovering the theft, Anil would not be sad for the loss of money, but for loss of trust.
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8. Write a character sketch of the thief boy.
Ans. The thief was a fifteen years old boy. But in this story, he has been presented as a well experienced and skilful thief. He had a great knowledge of human behaviour. He knew that simple looking persons could be robbed easily.
He had an understanding that a little flattery could help in making friends. He was clever enough to change his name to keep himself away from the police and his former employers. He was perfect in telling lies. He had a desire to become a big man in life. He robbed Anil of his six hundred rupees.
But in one corner of his heart, there was a sense of trust and goodness. He thought that he should not betray Anil. He had the ambition of becoming a big man and he knew that he could realise his ambition only when he is educated. Thus, he was an interesting character.
9. Draw a character-sketch of Anil.
Or
Who was Anil? How did he treat Hari Singh and how did it influence Hari’s life?
Ans. Anil was a young man of 25 years. He was a tall and lean fellow. He looked easygoing and kind. A small boy met him. The boy wanted to rob him. He found him fit for his purpose. The boy told him that he wanted to do a job for him. He said that he could cook the food. Anil gave him a job.
The food cooked by the boy was very terrible. He told the boy to run away but later he taught him to cook the food and to learn reading and writing. Anil earned money by fits and starts. He wrote articles for magazines.
One day he earned 600 rupees. In the night the thief boy stole the money and ran out in the rain. Later his heart changed and he decided to put the money back under the mattress. Anil discovered all this. But he was so large-hearted that he said nothing to the boy. Instead, he promised to pay him regularly.
10. How did Hari Singh rob Anil of his six-hundred rupees? What stopped him to rush away?
Or
What made the narrator steal Anil’s six hundred rupees? What did he do after that? Why did he put the money back under the mattress?
Ans. The thief boy met Anil. He found him an easygoing person. In his mind, he decided to rob him. He said that he would cook food for him. He told Anil that his name was Hari Singh. Anil engaged him on work. He taught him to cook the food and to read and write. Anil had no regular income.
One day he brought a small bundle of 600 rupees. He put the bundle under his mattress, When he was fast asleep, the boy drew out the bundle under the mattress and ran to the station to catch the Lucknow Mail at 10:30 p.m.
The train had just steamed off. But something stopped his feet to jump into the train compartment. It was Anil’s goodness and carelessness. He realised his folly and decided to go back to Anil. So he went back and placed the money under the mattress.
11. Why did Hari Singh decide to return the stolen money? What light does it throw on his character?
Ans. After stealing the money when Hari Singh reached the station, he could not board the Lucknow Express though he could easily get on it. He stood alone on the deserted platform and thought about Anil who he knew would feel only sadness for the loss of trust when he discovered the theft.
He felt that he should go back to Anil if only to read and write. So he decided to return to Anil feeling very nervous. The thief was very grateful to Anil and quite liked working for him. Since Anil was the most trusting man he had met.
Anil’s confidence had awakened his conscience. He wanted to become a good man. Anil could only make him a good man. So he decided to come back to Anil and return the money that he had stolen.
12. What kind of a life was Hari Singh leading with Anil?
Ans. Anil engaged had Singh as a house-servant. His duty was to cook food and prepare tea for Anil. He was not an expert in cooking. But Anil taught him how to cook food. He went to the market to buy vegetables and other things of daily necessity. For the thief, it was quite pleasant working for Anil.
Anil had told him that he would teach him reading and writing. The thief was grateful to Anil for giving him a job and for his promise to make him an educated man. He knew that once he could write like an educated man then there would be no limit to what he could achieve.
13. ‘The Thief’s Story’ is an in-depth study of the human mind. Discuss.
Ans. The human mind is a very complex thing. It is a mixture of opposite opinions. Sometimes a man fails to understand his own mind. In this story, the same thing has been presented by Ruskin Bond through the character of a thief boy Hari Singh. The boy starts working for Anil. His primary aim was to rob him.
Anil’s carelessness wins his heart. But the boy’s bad mind provokes him to rob Anil of his money. One day he robs his six hundred rupees and runs away to the station.
But his good mind stops him boarding the train. He decides to come back to Anil and return his money. So this story is an in-depth study of the human mind.
Q14. Give a character-sketch of the thief, Hari Singh. Highlight the gradual changes that come in him.
Ans. The narrator of ‘The Thief’s Story’ is a thief. He is just fifteen but an experienced and fairly successful hand. He used to change his name every month. This he did to avoid being arrested by the police. He worked for many employers.
He used to run away after cheating them. This time he introduced himself as Had Singh. Had Singh was a clever thief He knew how to humour a person like Anil. He called Anil a bit of a wrestler.
He was an expert in telling lies. He lied that he knew how to cook. He was a good judge of men and the situation. He exploited Anil’s generosity and made money by keeping aside a rupee for him from buying the day’s supplies.
 In the heat and excitement, Hari Singh forgot his love for education. He knew that if he were educated, he could earn respect, name and money. No doubt, he breached Anil’s trust by stealing his money. Soon, he realised that he had no friends and well-wishers.
The only person who knew and could help him was Anil whom he had robbed a few hours ago. Anil’s large-heartedness and his love for education transformed him in the end. He came back to Anil and put the stolen money back to the place from where it was stolen. Anil knew everything but he rewarded Hari Singh. He gave him a fifty-rupee note and promised to pay him regularly.
Q15. Give a character-sketch of Anil. Did he know all about the theft? If so, why did he keep Had Singh again to work for him?
Ans. Anil is a thorough gentleman. He is generous, large-hearted and understanding. He is twenty-five years old and unmarried. He doesn’t have a regular income. He writes for magazines.
When he receives a cheque, he goes out and celebrates. Anil is a simple man who is ever-ready to help even a worthless boy like Hari Singh. He knows that Had Singh lied that he knew how to cook. Still, he allows him to work for him. Anil is a progressive young man. Being a writer himself, he knows the value of education. He teaches Had Singh to write his name. He promises to teach him to write whole sentences and to add numbers.
Anil knew all about the theft. He knew how and when Had Singh stole the money and put it back under the mattress. Neither his lips nor his eyes showed anything about it. He didn’t want to hand Had Singh over to the police.
It would have mined him. The thief had no option but to return to such a generous and large-hearted person. The reformer, Anil rewarded the boy-thief by giving him a fifty-rupee note. He also promised to pay him regularly.
Q16. 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 promised to pay him regularly?
Ans. Hari Singh was still a thief when he met Anil. He was just fifteen but was an experienced and fairly successful hand. Hari humoured Anil and wished to work for him. Anil had no regular income and couldn’t afford to pay him.
He asked Hari Singh if he knew how to cook. Hari Singh lied that he knew it. The boy was totally worthless and Anil asked him to go away. But the boy didn’t budge and Anil retained him and also promised to teach him writing sentences and adding numbers.
They say old habits die hard. After all, Han was a thief. He made a rupee every day from buying the day’s supplies. Trusting Anil gave him a key to the door. The boy-thief saw him tuck the money under the mattress. Hari Singh stole the money and went away. He counted them and found that they were 600 in the fifties.
Anil knew everything about the theft. He even knew how the money was placed back under the mattress by Hari Singh. But the reformer, Anil prevailed over him. He didn’t hand the boy-thief over to the police.
Nor did he punish him by throwing him out of the job. Love for education transformed Hari Singh from a thief to a reformed young man. Anil rewarded him by giving a fifty-rupee-note and promising to pay him regularly.
Q17. Love, human sympathy and education can transform even a thief. How could Anil bring such a change in Hari Singh?
Ans. Man is a product of circumstances and environment. Hari Singh was just a boy of fifteen but was an experienced and fairly a successful hand. Circumstances made him a thief. In spite of being no use to Anil, he was retained to work for him.
They say old habits die hard. After all, a thief couldn’t leave stealing and cheating. He made a rupee every day from the buying of the day’s supplies. However, Anil was not a fool. He knew everything and also all about the theft. But he was kind, large-hearted and full of human sympathy.
He taught the unfortunate boy to write his name. Ile also promised him to write sentences and add numbers. This left a deep impression on the boy-thief. lie started realising that education could bring him respect and money.
Hari Singh breached Anil’s trust but Anil was all forgiving and compassionate. In the heat and excitement of theft, Hari Singh forgot about education. Then came the true realisation and transformation. The boy-thief realised that the only man who could help him was the man he had robbed a few hours ago.
Then he realised the value of education that could give him respect and more money than he could get by stealing. He realised where he should go. Large-hearted Anil not only forgave him but also gave him a fifty-rupee note, and promised to pay him regularly.
Q18. ‘He was the most trusting person I had ever met.’ Justify this statement of Had Singh about his benefactor, Anil. Did he breach Anil’s trust?
 Ans. After his first introduction, Had Singh understood Anil’s nature and his character rather well? He lied that he knew how to cook. Still, Anil allowed Hari to work for him. Even at the age of 15, Hari Singh was an experienced and successful hand. He knew all the tricks of his trade.
He made one rupee every day from buying the day’s supplies. Anil knew it but didn’t mind. Anil was really a trusting person. He had given Hari a key to the door and he could come and go as he pleased. But it was `so difficult to rob him’.
It is easy to rob a greedy man. It was difficult to rob a careless and trusting man like Anil. Sometimes, he didn’t even notice that he had been robbed. That took all the pleasure out of Hari Singh’s work.
Anil was no fool. He knew all about the theft, when and how it was committed. Neither his lips nor eyes showed that he saw Hari placing the money back under the mattress.
 Trust begets trust. Ultimately, the boy-thief realised that the only person who could help him was the man whom he had robbed a few hours ago. Naturally, Anil was the most trusting man Han Singh had ever met in his life.
And forgot the Tut Chase’s grow breach of his trust but rewarded Had by giving a fifty-rupee-note and promising to pay him regularly.
Q19. How did Hari Singh steal the money? Describe the circumstances that brought him back to work for Hari Singh. What was the main motivating factor that forced him to take that decision?
Ans. Anil had sold a book to a publisher. He got a good sum of money in return. Hari Singh saw him tuck the money under the mattress of his bed. The boy-thief was an experienced hand. He breached Anil’s trust and stole the money.
He counted and found a sum of 600 in the fifties. He realised that with that money he could live like a rich Arab at least for a week or two.
Hari Singh tried to run away with the money but failed. He was actually struggling with himself. He deliberately missed the Lucknow Express. He sat thinking about himself on a bench on a chilly night. He came to a conclusion. He had no friend. The only person who could help him was Anil and he had robbed him a few hours earlier.
Then came the realisation what Anil was doing for him. He promised to give him an education. Had Singh realised that education could bring respect and money to him? In the heat and excitement of the theft, he had forgotten about the education.
Getting an education was the main motivating force that brought the boy-thief Hari Singh back to Anil.
Q20. Describe the sequence of events that took place after Had Singh stole the money. Evaluate Hari Singh as a thief and as a human being.
Ans. Hari Singh was a seasoned thief even at the age of fifteen. He knew all the tricks of his trade. As a thief, he knew how to hoodwink his master and make one rupee every day out of buying of the day’s supplies. And he, a seasoned thief, stole 600 rupees from under the mattress.
With that money, he could live like a rich Arab for a week or two. He came to the station but deliberately missed the Lucknow Express. He was struggling with himself. He came to the ‘maiden’ and was drenched in the rain on a chilly November night. He had no friends and did not like to go to a hotel either. He was in a dilemma.
Then good sense prevailed and he decided to go back to the man whom he had robbed a few hours earlier. His love for education was the motivating force that led him to this decision.
So, as a thief, he was quite an experienced and fairly a successful hand. But love, generosity and human compassion of Anil helped in transforming him into a better human being. He realised the value of education. Only education could give him respect, status and money.
Q21. Hari Singh could have lived like a rich Arab for a week or two. Why did he choose to go back to Anil in the end?
 Ans. Hari Singh definitely had a bumper catch. The money he stole from under Anil’s bedroom’s mattress was perhaps the largest amount he had ever stolen in life. When he was on the road, he counted the money. It was a sum of rupees six hundred, in the fifties. With that money, Hari Singh could live in luxury like a rich Arab, at least for a week or two.
He decided to run away with the money and came to the station. He found that the Lucknow Express had just moved. He could have jumped into one of the compartments but couldn’t do so.
Perhaps something troubled him. He hesitated and remained standing alone on a deserted platform. He had no friends. The only man he knew was Anil whom he had robbed only a few hours ago.
The thing that motivated Had Singh to go back to Anil was his love for getting an education. He realised that education could give him respect, status and much more money than he could get from stealing. Anil had promised him to teach writing and adding numbers. Han Singh’s urge to get an education brought him back to Anil.