The Thief Story Class 10 English Chapter 2 CBSE Notes 2025-26

The chapter "The Thief’s Story" from the CBSE Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet book focuses on the journey of a young thief named Hari Singh and his relationship with Anil, a kind and trusting man. 

The story explores themes of trust, change, and the power of education, making it an important part of your English curriculum. The events progress as Hari Singh initially approaches Anil with the intent to deceive, but is slowly transformed through Anil’s generosity and guidance.

Character Introduction and Setting Hari Singh, only fifteen years old, is already an experienced thief. He meets Anil while Anil is watching a wrestling match. Anil is about twenty-five, thin, tall, and easy-going. 

At first, Hari tries to flatter Anil and asks for work. Anil honestly tells him that he cannot pay him, but eventually agrees to let him stay in exchange for meals if Hari can cook.

Hari Singh lies about being a good cook, but his first meal is so bad that Anil gives it to a stray dog. Despite this, Hari stays around, and Anil is amused by his persistence. 

Anil then decides to teach him how to cook, as well as how to read, write, and do basic math. The story is set in an unnamed city, but references such as "Jumna Sweet Shop" and Hindi names hint at an urban Indian background.

Life with Anil Hari finds working for Anil pleasant. He is in charge of making tea and buying groceries, cleverly making a small profit from the daily supplies—a trick known but ignored by Anil. 

Anil is shown as someone who earns money irregularly; sometimes he borrows and sometimes lends money. He writes for magazines and sometimes sells a book. His carefree attitude towards money is a sharp contrast to Hari’s survival instincts.

Trust and Temptation Anil trusts Hari Singh completely: he gives him the key to the door and lets him come and go as he pleases. Hari notices that robbing a trusting person provides no satisfaction, especially when the victim might not even notice the loss. 

Still, temptation wins when Anil comes home one evening with ₹600—a significant sum—which he tucks under his mattress. Hari’s instincts urge him to steal and escape with the money.

Theft and Decision Late at night, Hari steals the money from under Anil’s mattress while he is asleep. As he escapes, he observes different reactions people have when robbed: greedy people show fear, the rich show anger, and the poor show acceptance. 

He guesses Anil would only feel sad about losing his trust in Hari, not about the loss of money itself. Hari tries to escape by boarding a train to Lucknow, but hesitates and misses it, finding himself alone and unsure about what to do next.

Wandering through the bazaar in the cold and rain, Hari reflects on his life and realizes that the opportunity to learn and become respected holds greater value than the money he has stolen. 

Sitting alone, damp and uncomfortable, Hari is overcome by guilt and the thought that the education Anil offers could change his future for the better.

Return and Redemption Unable to go to anyone else, Hari finally decides to return to Anil’s room and quietly puts the stolen money back under the mattress. The next morning, Anil treats him kindly and even hands him a fifty-rupee note as payment. 

The note is damp, signaling that Anil knows about the theft but chooses not to mention it directly. Instead, Anil encourages Hari to start writing full sentences, highlighting his trust and hope for Hari’s transformation.

Themes and Moral Values The story strongly emphasizes redemption, forgiveness, and the transformative power of trust. Anil’s kindness and willingness to forgive bring out a genuine change in Hari. 

It also highlights how opportunities for personal growth and education can influence a person’s choices and path in life. The relationship between Anil and Hari is a central point, showing that sometimes empathy can be more powerful than punishment.

Important Terms from the Glossary

• Flattery: Insincere praise used to win favor.
• Modestly: Acting without boasting; being humble.
• Grunting: Making low, guttural sounds (e.g., wrestlers).
• Appealing: Attractive or pleasing.
• Unlined: Showing no signs of stress or anxiety; relaxed.

Key Questions and Discussions

• How does Hari’s view about education change? Initially, he values it as a tool for better theft, but later sees it as a way to become a respected man.
• Why doesn’t Anil hand Hari over to the police? Anil is different from other employers—he shows faith and gives a second chance rather than punishing Hari.
• Does trust have the power to change people? The story suggests it does, by showing Hari’s change of heart.
• What circumstances can lead a child to become a thief? Hari’s background is not detailed, but the story hints at poverty, loneliness, and lack of guidance as factors.

Summary Table

Suggested Reading For more exploration of similar themes, students can read stories like ‘He Said It with Arsenic’ by Ruskin Bond, ‘Vanka’ by Anton Chekhov, or ‘A Scandal in Bohemia’ by Arthur Conan Doyle.

In conclusion, "The Thief’s Story" shows the journey of a young misled boy moving towards honesty and self-respect through the guidance and trust of a wise mentor. The story teaches that trust, compassion, and access to education can change one’s life. Remember the lesson this chapter imparts: sometimes kindness can bring about greater change than strictness ever could.

Class 10 English Chapter 2 Notes – The Thief’s Story: Key Points for Quick Revision

The notes for CBSE Class 10 English Chapter 2, "The Thief’s Story," provide a clear summary and the main points from the NCERT syllabus. By focusing on important events and character changes, students can better understand the story’s themes of trust and transformation. These revision notes are designed to be concise and easy to recall during exam preparation.

With these CBSE English Class 10 study notes, you can grasp the key lessons from "The Thief’s Story" quickly and efficiently. The notes include important questions, a quick glossary, and highlights of each character’s motivation to make revision straightforward and effective.