CBSE Class 10 English (Footprints Without Feet) Important Questions Chapter 2 - The Thief’s Story

1. Who is the narrator of the story?
Ans: The narrator of the story is Hari Singh, a young boy and an experienced thief.

2. What does Hari do for a living?
Ans: Hari makes a living by stealing from people.

3. Why does Hari decide to work for Anil?
Ans: Hari decides to work for Anil because he thinks he might gain Anil's trust and find a chance to steal from him.

4. What does Anil promise to teach Hari?
Ans: Anil promises to teach Hari to read, write, and do basic arithmetic.

5. What is the first thing Hari steals from Anil?
Ans: Hari steals a bundle of money, amounting to 600 rupees, from under Anil's mattress.

6. Describe Anil’s character as shown in the story.
Ans: Anil is portrayed as a kind-hearted, trusting, and carefree young man who is generous with his money. He does not mind Hari's small deceptions and even teaches him to read and write, showing his kindness. Despite being robbed, he chooses to let Hari stay and continue learning.

7. Why does Hari feel that it is difficult to rob Anil?
Ans: Hari finds it difficult to rob Anil because Anil is so trusting and kind. Unlike greedy men, Anil doesn’t even notice when he’s cheated, which removes the thrill Hari usually experiences from his thefts. Anil’s genuine nature creates a feeling of guilt in Hari, making him hesitant.

8. How does Hari Singh feel after stealing the money?
Ans: After stealing the money, Hari feels an initial thrill but soon realises he has no real friends or place to go. He starts to feel guilty, thinking of how Anil would react to the loss of trust. The realisation that Anil's guidance could change his future leaves him uneasy and regretful.

9. Why does Hari Singh decide to return the money?
Ans: Hari Singh decides to return the money because he realises that learning to read and write would offer him more in life than the stolen cash. He understands that Anil’s trust and knowledge could help him become a better person, which he values more than a temporary thrill.

10. How does Anil respond to the theft the next morning?
Ans: Anil does not mention the theft directly, but when he hands Hari a fifty-rupee note, he hints that he knows by mentioning that he "made some money." Anil’s calm response, without anger or confrontation, shows his understanding and encourages Hari to turn towards honesty.

11. Explain the relationship between Hari Singh and Anil.
Ans: The relationship between Hari Singh and Anil is a mix of mentorship and companionship. While Anil trusts Hari and treats him kindly, Hari initially sees him as an easy target for theft. As Anil begins teaching him to read and write, Hari starts to feel valued and respected, leading him to question his path as a thief. Anil’s care influences Hari, showing him a new direction in life, ultimately shifting their relationship from one of deceit to trust and mutual respect.

12. What does Hari Singh learn from his time with Anil?
Ans: Hari Singh learns the importance of trust, honesty, and self-worth during his time with Anil. Initially driven by greed, he is moved by Anil’s kindness and trust, making him reconsider his actions. Anil’s promise to teach him how to read and write opens Hari’s eyes to a future beyond theft, where he can earn respect and success through honest means. This realisation encourages Hari to choose the path of integrity.

13. How does the story reflect the theme of personal transformation?
Ans: The story reflects personal transformation through Hari Singh’s change of heart. Initially a seasoned thief with no remorse, Hari gradually feels guilty for planning to rob Anil. Anil’s trust and the chance to gain knowledge make Hari question his lifestyle, eventually prompting him to return the stolen money. This transformation shows how compassion and a second chance can guide someone towards self-improvement.

14. Why does Hari Singh think that learning to write will benefit him more than stealing?
Ans: Hari Singh realises that learning to write will open doors to a respectable life, giving him opportunities he hadn’t considered before. Unlike stealing, which carries risks and offers temporary gains, education could bring him lasting success and self-respect. He understands that with Anil’s guidance, he could achieve more than through his old life as a thief, making him believe in the value of learning.

15. Discuss how trust plays an important role in The Thief’s Story.
Ans: Trust is central to the story, as it impacts both Anil’s and Hari Singh’s actions. Anil’s faith in Hari, even after suspecting the theft, gives Hari a chance to rethink his life choices. Anil’s willingness to let Hari stay without confronting him directly helps Hari feel valued and motivates him to change. This mutual trust fosters Hari’s transformation from a thief into someone willing to choose an honest path.

16. How does Anil’s response to the theft affect Hari’s conscience?
Ans: Anil’s calm and understanding response makes Hari feel ashamed and inspires him to be honest. Knowing Anil values him despite his past choices, Hari realises the importance of trust and honesty, leading to a positive change in his character.

17. What message does The Thief’s Story convey about second chances?
Ans: The story highlights that second chances can lead to transformation. Anil’s trust and lack of anger give Hari the opportunity to reflect and change, showing how patience and understanding can inspire people to improve themselves.

18. How does Ruskin Bond use Hari’s character to show the impact of kindness?
Ans: Hari’s character, initially guided by deceit, is deeply affected by Anil’s kindness. Anil’s willingness to help Hari without judgement helps him recognise his potential, showing how compassion can encourage someone to turn towards a better path.

19. Why might the author have chosen a young thief as the protagonist for this story?
Ans: The young thief’s character demonstrates that even those with flaws or a troubled past can change. His youth and impressionability make his transformation believable and inspiring, showing that guidance and trust can shape anyone’s future positively.

20. How does the setting of the story contribute to Hari’s personal journey?
Ans: The modest setting of Anil’s life, with its simple pleasures and struggles, contrasts with Hari’s unstable life as a thief. Anil’s world, grounded in contentment and knowledge, offers Hari a stable and positive environment, helping him choose honesty over crime.

21. Why does Hari Singh use different names?
Ans: Hari Singh uses different names to avoid being tracked by the police or previous employers, helping him escape suspicion.

22. What does Anil do for a living, and how does it affect his lifestyle?
Ans: Anil writes for magazines, making a modest and unpredictable income, which leads him to borrow and lend money and live a simple life.

23. How does Hari Singh feel when he initially steals Anil’s money?
Ans: Hari Singh feels excited and thrilled after stealing the money but soon becomes uncomfortable and guilty, realising the consequences of his actions.

24. What makes Hari Singh decide not to board the train?
Ans: Hari Singh hesitates at the thought of losing Anil’s trust and the chance to learn and improve, making him realise he values Anil’s guidance more than the stolen money.

25. How does the author show that a person’s past does not define their future?
Ans: Through Hari Singh’s change of heart, the author shows that one’s past actions don’t have to dictate their future. With Anil’s influence, Hari sees a new path and chooses to leave behind his life as a thief, illustrating the possibility of redemption.

Benefits of NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English (Footprints Without Feet) Chapter 2 - The Thief’s Story

• The FREE PDF includes essential questions about Hari Singh’s transformation, exploring themes of trust, kindness, and personal growth, which helps students understand the depth of character development.

• This PDF explains Anil’s impact on Hari Singh, enabling students to connect the story’s message on compassion and second chances to real-life situations.

• Students gain insights into the value of education and self-improvement, as Hari realises learning holds greater rewards than theft, making this story a valuable lesson in character-building.

• Created by Vedantu’s experts, all questions are aligned with CBSE standards, focusing on key themes and details to ensure students are well-prepared for exams.

• The PDF’s accessible format makes it easy for students to study anytime, adding flexibility to their exam preparation without any extra costs.

Conclusion:

The story 'The Thief’s Story' shows how trust and kindness can help someone change for the better. Hari, the young thief, learns from Anil’s example that a life of honesty and learning can bring more happiness than stealing ever could. This story reminds us that with the right guidance, anyone can choose a better path. Vedantu provides the FREE PDF of important questions for Class 10 English (Footprints Without Feet) from this chapter which you can download today and access FREE of cost, anywhere, anytime you wish and grasp the concepts of the chapter easily.

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