The Thief’s Story Solutions and Questions & Answers

Content Structure

1. About the author – Ruskin Bond
2. Summary of the poem The Thief’s Story
3. Word meanings
4. NCERT Solutions
- 4A. Think about it
- 4B. Talk about it
5. Extra Questions and Answers of the poem The Thief’s Story
- 5A. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- 5B. Fill in the blanks
- 5C. True and false
- 5D. One-sentence questions and answers
- 5E. Short Questions and Answers
- 5F. Long Questions and Answers

1. About the Author – Ruskin Bond

Ruskin Bond is one of India’s most loved authors, known for his simple yet engaging style of writing. He was born on 19 May 1934 in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh, India. He spent much of his childhood in places like Jamnagar, Dehradun, and Shimla, which later inspired many of his stories. Ruskin Bond began writing at a young age. His first novel, The Room on the Roof, was published when he was only seventeen years old and won the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize. For his outstanding contribution to literature, Ruskin Bond has received several honours, including the Sahitya Akademi Award (1992) for Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra, the Padma Shri (1999), and the Padma Bhushan (2014) from the Government of India.

2. Summary of The Thief’s Story

The Thief’s Story by Ruskin Bond tells the story of a fifteen-year-old boy named Hari Singh, who survived by making friends with people and later stealing from them. One day, during a wrestling match, he met Anil, a twenty-five-year-old writer who earned a modest living by writing articles. Hari cleverly gained Anil’s confidence through flattery and asked him if he could work for him. Anil agreed to keep Hari with him and promised to teach him how to read, write, do simple calculations, and cook properly. Hari helped with household chores, and Anil occasionally rewarded him with a little extra money. One day, Anil received a bundle of cash from his writing work and hid it under his mattress. Hari noticed where the money was kept. Late at night, while Anil was asleep, Hari took the money and headed to the railway station to catch a train to Lucknow. Unfortunately, he missed the train and wandered through the rainy streets, getting drenched. As he walked alone, Hari began to feel ashamed of what he had done. He realized that Anil had treated him with kindness and had given him an opportunity to build a better future through education and trust. Filled with regret, Hari returned to Anil’s house and quietly placed the wet notes back under the mattress. The following morning, Anil handed Hari fifty rupees as payment for his work and told him that he would pay him regularly from then on. When Hari touched the notes, he noticed they were still damp. He understood that Anil had discovered the theft but had chosen neither to scold him nor report him to the police. Instead, Anil continued to trust him and even promised to teach him how to write complete sentences. Anil’s understanding and generosity deeply affected Hari. This incident transformed him, and he decided to leave behind his dishonest life and become an honest and responsible person.

3. Word meanings

Word	Meaning
Flatter	To praise someone too much to gain favour
Wrestling	A sport in which two people try to throw each other to the ground
Lean	Thin and not fat
Grinned	Smiled broadly
Approach	To move towards someone
Appetite	The desire to eat food
Bundle	A collection of things tied or kept together
Steal	To take something dishonestly without permission
Soaked	Completely wet
Conscience	The inner sense of right and wrong
Earnings	Money received for work
Compassion	Sympathy and concern for others
Redemption	The act of becoming better after doing wrong
Respectable	Deserving respect and admiration
Kindness	The quality of being caring and helpful
Betray	To break someone’s trust

4. NCERT Solutions

4A. Think about it

1. What are Hari Singh’s reactions to the prospect of receiving an education? Do they change over time? (Hint: Compare, for example, the thought: “I knew that once I could write like an educated man there would be no limit to what I could achieve” with these later thoughts: “Whole sentences, I knew, could one day bring me more than a few hundred rupees. It was a simple matter to steal — and sometimes just as simple to be caught. But to be a really big man, a clever and respected man, was something else.”) What makes him return to Anil?
Ans: At first, Hari Singh is happy because Anil promises to teach him reading, writing, and arithmetic. He understands that education can help him earn more money in the future. However, he still thinks like a thief and steals Anil’s money. While walking away, he begins to think deeply. He realises that stolen money will last only for a short time, but education will help him earn honestly throughout his life. He also understands that an educated person is respected by society, while a thief always lives in fear of being caught. Hari feels guilty because Anil trusted him and treated him with kindness. He does not want to lose the chance to learn and become a better person. These thoughts change his mind, and he returns to Anil’s house to replace the stolen money. His decision marks the beginning of his transformation into an honest and responsible person.

2. Why does not Anil hand the thief over to the police? Do you think most people would have done so? In what ways is Anil different from such employers?
Ans: Anil does not hand Hari Singh over to the police because he understands that Hari is still young and capable of changing. He believes that punishment is not always the best way to correct a person’s mistakes. Instead of becoming angry, Anil silently forgives Hari and gives him another chance to improve. He knows that kindness and trust can have a stronger effect than fear or punishment. Most people might have called the police or dismissed Hari immediately because he had stolen money from them. However, Anil is different from such employers. He is kind, patient, and generous. He treats Hari like a friend instead of a servant and believes in the power of education and forgiveness. His behaviour changes Hari’s heart and encourages him to choose an honest life.

4B. Talk about it

1. Do you think people like Anil and Hari Singh are found only in fiction, or are there such people in real life?
Ans: People like Anil and Hari Singh can be found in real life as well as in stories. There are many kind and generous people like Anil who help others without expecting anything in return. They believe that everyone deserves a second chance. Similarly, there are young people like Hari who may make wrong choices because of poverty, loneliness, or a lack of guidance. With love, support, and education, many of them change their lives and become responsible citizens. Therefore, the characters in the story are realistic and represent people we may meet in society.

2. Do you think it a significant detail in the story that Anil is a struggling writer? Does this explain his behaviour in any way?
Ans: Yes, this is an important detail in the story. Anil is a struggling writer who does not earn much money, yet he is generous and helpful. Because he faces difficulties himself, he understands the problems of other people. He knows the value of patience, kindness, and hope. Even after Hari steals his money, Anil does not become cruel or angry. Instead, he forgives him because he believes that people can improve if they are given a chance. His simple life and kind nature explain why he behaves with understanding instead of punishment.

3. Have you met anyone like Hari Singh? Can you think and imagine the circumstances that can turn a fifteen-year-old boy into a thief?
Ans: This is a personal opinion question, so the answer may be different for each student. One possible answer is that I have not met anyone exactly like Hari Singh, but I have heard about children who steal because they are poor or do not have proper care and guidance. A fifteen-year-old boy may become a thief if he has no family support, no education, no job, or is influenced by bad company. Hunger, poverty, loneliness, and the struggle to survive can force some children to make wrong decisions. However, with love, education, and proper guidance, they can change and build a better future.

4. Where is the story set? (You can get clues from the names of the persons and places mentioned in it.) Which language or languages are spoken in these places? Do you think the characters in the story spoke to each other in English?
Ans: The story is set in northern India. The names of places like Lucknow and the names of the characters suggest this setting. Languages such as Hindi and Urdu are commonly spoken in this region, along with some local dialects. Since Hari Singh and Anil are ordinary people living in India, they most likely spoke to each other in Hindi or another local language in their daily conversations. The story is written in English because it is meant for English readers, but the actual conversations between the characters were probably not in English.

5. Extra Questions and Answers of the poem The Thief’s Story

5A. Multiple Choice Questions and Answers (MCQs)

1. How old was Hari Singh?
A. 13 years
B. 14 years
C. 15 years
D. 16 years

Ans: C. 15 years

2. Where did Hari first meet Anil?
A. At a market
B. At a railway station
C. At a wrestling match
D. At a school

Ans: C. At a wrestling match

3. What was Anil’s profession?
A. Teacher
B. Doctor
C. Writer
D. Shopkeeper

Ans: C. Writer

4. What did Anil promise to teach Hari?
A. Driving
B. Reading, writing, and arithmetic
C. Singing
D. Painting

Ans: B. Reading, writing, and arithmetic

5. Where did Anil keep the money he received?
A. In a cupboard
B. In his pocket
C. Under the mattress
D. In a suitcase

Ans: C. Under the mattress

6. Which train did Hari plan to catch?
A. Delhi Express
B. Mumbai Express
C. Lucknow Express
D. Kolkata Express

Ans: C. Lucknow Express

7. What made Hari regret stealing the money?
A. Fear of being caught
B. The heavy rain
C. Anil’s kindness and trust
D. Hunger

Ans: C. Anil’s kindness and trust

8. How much money did Anil give Hari the next morning?
A. Twenty rupees
B. Thirty rupees
C. Fifty rupees
D. One hundred rupees

Ans: C. Fifty rupees

9. What quality of Anil impressed Hari the most?
A. Wealth
B. Strictness
C. Kindness and forgiveness
D. Intelligence

Ans: C. Kindness and forgiveness

10. What did Hari realize was more valuable than stolen money?
A. Expensive clothes
B. Friendship and education
C. Travel
D. Food

Ans: B. Friendship and education

11. What is the main theme of the story?
A. Adventure and travel
B. Power of money
C. Trust, forgiveness, and transformation
D. Competition and success

Ans: C. Trust, forgiveness, and transformation

12. The story The Thief’s Story was written by:
A. Robert Frost
B. Ruskin Bond
C. Mulk Raj Anand
D. O. Henry

Answer: B. Ruskin Bond

13. Which word best describes Anil?
A. Selfish
B. Greedy
C. Compassionate
D. Cruel

Answer: C. Compassionate

14. What lesson does the story teach?
A. Crime always pays.
B. Education is unnecessary.
C. Kindness and trust can transform a person.
D. Money is the most important thing in life.

Answer: C. Kindness and trust can transform a person.

5B. Fill in the blanks

1. The narrator of the story is __________. (Hari Singh)
2. Hari Singh was __________ years old. (fifteen/15)
3. Hari first met Anil at a __________ match. (wrestling)
4. Anil was a struggling __________. (writer)
5. Hari earned his living mainly by __________. (stealing)
6. Anil kept the bundle of money under the __________. (mattress)
7. Hari stole the money while Anil was __________. (asleep)
8. Hari decided to become an __________ person. (honest)
9. The story was written by __________ Bond. (Ruskin)
10. Hari understood the importance of __________ in life. (education)
11. Anil treated Hari with __________ and understanding. (kindness)
12. Hari wanted to become a respected and __________ man. (clever)
13. The story highlights the power of trust and __________. (forgiveness)

5C. True or False

1. Hari Singh was a fifteen-year-old experienced thief. (True)
2. Hari stole the money kept under the mattress. (True)
3. Hari immediately boarded the train to Lucknow. (False)
4. Hari missed the train he wanted to catch. (True)
5. The rain had no effect on Hari. (False)
6. Hari felt guilty after stealing from Anil. (True)
7. Hari kept the stolen money forever. (False)
8. Hari returned to Anil’s house and replaced the money. (True)
9. Anil noticed that the money had been taken. (True)
10. The fifty-rupee note given by Anil was damp. (True)
11. Anil reported Hari to the police. (False)

5D. One-sentence questions and answers

1. Who was Hari Singh?
Ans: Hari Singh was a fifteen-year-old thief and the story’s narrator who changed his life for the better because of Anil’s kindness.

2. How did Hari Singh meet Anil?
Ans: Hari met Anil at a wrestling match and praised him to win his trust so he could ask for a job.

3. Why did Hari want to work for Anil?
Ans: Hari wanted to work for Anil to get food and a place to stay while secretly planning to rob him.

4. What did Anil promise to teach Hari?
Ans: Anil promised to teach Hari how to read, write, and do math so that the boy could have a better future.

5. Why was Hari excited about learning?
Ans: Hari was excited to learn because he knew that being educated would bring him more success and respect than stealing ever could.

6. Why did Hari steal Anil’s money?
Ans: Hari stole the money because it was his old habit and he was too tempted by the easy chance to take the cash.

7. Why did Hari fail to leave the town?
Ans: Hari failed to leave the town because he hesitated at the train station and missed his train.

8. Why did Hari return to Anil?
Ans: Hari returned because he felt bad for breaking Anil’s trust and realized that getting an education was worth more than the stolen money.

9. How did Anil know that Hari had stolen the money?
Ans: Anil knew about the theft because the money Hari put back was still wet from being out in the rain.

10. Why did Anil not hand Hari over to the police?
Ans: Anil did not call the police because he forgave Hari and wanted to give him a second chance to be a good person.

11. How did Anil earn his money?
Ans: Anil made a living in an unsteady way by writing articles for magazines.

12. How did Hari make a small profit every day?
Ans: Hari made a small profit by secretly keeping one rupee for himself when he bought the daily groceries.

13. Where did Anil hide the bundle of money?
Ans: Anil hid the bundle of money under his mattress while Hari was quietly watching him.

14. Why was it so difficult for Hari to rob Anil?
Ans: It was very hard for Hari to rob Anil because the man was careless and trusted him completely.

15. How did Hari feel when he was alone at the train station?
Ans: Hari felt very cold, lonely, and confused as he sat by himself after the train had left.

16. Where did Hari go after leaving the station?
Ans: After leaving the station, Hari walked slowly through the quiet market and sat down under a clock tower to think.

5E. Short Questions and Answers

1. Who was Hari Singh?
Ans: Hari Singh was the fifteen-year-old narrator and protagonist of the story. Despite his youth, he was an experienced and successful thief who constantly adopted fake identities to evade the police and former employers. “Hari Singh” was just his latest alias. He targeted gullible people to rob. However, his life completely changed when he met Anil. Anil’s genuine trust, compassion, and kindhearted nature catalyzed a profound transformation, turning this hardened young criminal into an honest human being.

2. How did Hari Singh meet Anil?
Ans: Hari Singh approached Anil while the young man was deeply engrossed in watching a wrestling match. Observing that Anil appeared simple and easygoing, Hari identified him as a perfect target for a robbery. To gain his confidence, Hari used calculated flattery, complimenting Anil on his wrestling physique. After establishing a friendly rapport, Hari appealed to Anil’s compassionate nature by directly asking to work for him, laying the groundwork to infiltrate his life and execute a theft.

3. Why did Hari fail to leave the town?
Ans: After stealing the money, Hari rushed to the railway station intending to escape on the Lucknow Express. Although the train was slowly pulling out and he could have easily jumped into a carriage, a sudden, inexplicable hesitation paralyzed him. He simply could not bring himself to board. This critical hesitation stemmed from a profound moral conflict and a subconscious reluctance to betray the only person who had ever truly trusted him, leaving him stranded on the deserted platform.

4. Why did Hari return to Anil?
Ans: Hari returned to Anil because an overwhelming sense of guilt shattered his criminal resolve. Sitting alone in the cold rain, he realized the monumental gravity of his betrayal. He thought about the invaluable gift of education Anil had promised him—the ability to write whole sentences and become a respected man. Understanding that this opportunity was infinitely more valuable than a few stolen notes, Hari bravely chose to return the money, yearning to reclaim his chance at an honest life.

5. How did Anil know that Hari had stolen the money?
Ans: Anil silently deduced the truth about the theft without needing a confession. When Anil handed Hari a fifty-rupee note the next morning, Hari noticed the currency was distinctly cold and damp. Because it had rained heavily while Hari was wandering outside with the stolen bundle, the notes had soaked through. This lingering moisture served as undeniable physical evidence, making it obvious to Anil that Hari had taken the money outdoors during the night and subsequently brought it back.

6. Why did Anil not hand Hari over to the police?
Ans: Anil consciously chose not to hand Hari over to the police due to his compassionate nature. By observing the returned, damp money, Anil realized that Hari had successfully battled his dark impulses and chosen redemption. He understood that involving law enforcement would destroy the boy’s progress and permanently label him a criminal. Instead, Anil wanted to nurture this moral victory. By offering silent forgiveness and a regular salary, he provided the support Hari needed to solidify his transformation.

7. How did Anil make his money?
Ans: Anil made his money by writing for magazines. He did not have a steady job or a regular salary. He would borrow money one week and lend it the next. When he received a large payment, he would quickly go out to celebrate with his friends.

8. What happened when Hari Singh cooked dinner for the first time?
Ans: Hari Singh cooked a terrible meal on his first night. The food tasted so bad that Anil gave it entirely to a stray dog. Anil initially told Hari to leave, but the boy’s appealing smile convinced Anil to let him stay and learn how to cook.

9. Why did Hari Singh find it difficult to rob Anil?
Ans: Hari Singh found it difficult to rob Anil because the man was careless and trusting. A greedy man is easy to rob because he fears losing money. However, a careless man like Anil often does not even notice he has been robbed, which removes the thrill.

10. How did Hari Singh make a small profit every day?
Ans: Hari Singh made a small profit by cheating while buying the daily groceries. He would save about one rupee every day from the shopping money. Anil knew about this minor theft, but he ignored it and never said anything to the young boy.

11. What did Hari Singh notice about people’s faces when they were robbed?
Ans: Hari Singh noticed that different people reacted differently to being robbed. A greedy man showed panic and fear. A rich man showed anger about the loss. A poor man simply showed acceptance of his bad luck and sad fate.

12. How did Hari Singh feel when he stood alone on the railway platform?
Ans: Hari Singh felt cold, lonely, and confused on the railway platform. He had missed his train and had no friends to ask for shelter. The only person he knew in the town was the kind man he had just robbed, which made him feel deeply guilty.

13. What was the importance of the damp notes?
Ans: The damp notes were physical proof of the nighttime theft. The heavy rain had completely soaked the money while the boy was outside. When Anil felt the wet paper the next morning, he instantly understood what had happened without needing any spoken confession.

14. How did Anil react when he gave the fifty-rupee note to Hari?
Ans: Anil acted completely normal when he handed the money to the boy. He did not show any anger or disappointment on his face. Instead, he smiled kindly and announced that Hari would now receive a regular salary, showing complete forgiveness for the mistake.

15. What was the difference in Hari Singh’s smile at the beginning and the end?
Ans: Hari Singh smiled artificially at the beginning to flatter Anil and get a job. However, his smile at the end was entirely real and natural. It came from his heart because he felt true joy and relief after Anil forgave him for stealing.

16. Why did Anil decide to pay Hari Singh regularly at the end?
Ans: Anil decided to pay the boy regularly because he had just earned some money. More importantly, he wanted to remove the boy’s need to steal. Anil knew that offering a steady income and education would help keep the young boy on an honest and good path.

5F. Long Questions and Answers

1. Describe Hari Singh’s transformation in The Thief’s Story.
Ans: Hari Singh undergoes a remarkable transformation from a dishonest thief into a responsible and honest young boy. At the beginning of the story, he is a clever fifteen-year-old who survives by cheating and stealing from people. He has no permanent home and believes that theft is the easiest way to earn money. When he meets Anil, he becomes friendly with him only because he plans to rob him one day. However, Anil is different from the people Hari has known before. He offers him food, shelter, and, most importantly, promises to teach him reading, writing, and arithmetic. For the first time, Hari experiences genuine kindness and trust without expecting anything in return. Although he later steals Anil’s six hundred rupees and plans to escape to Lucknow, he cannot enjoy his success. As he walks through the rainy streets, feelings of guilt and regret begin to trouble him. He realises that the stolen money will soon be spent, but the opportunity to receive an education and become a respectable person is far more valuable. He understands that Anil’s trust is a priceless gift that he should not betray. Overcome by remorse, Hari quietly returns to Anil’s house and replaces the money under the mattress. The next morning, Anil behaves as if nothing has happened and continues to treat him with kindness. This silent act of forgiveness strengthens Hari’s decision to change his life forever. By the end of the story, he no longer wishes to live as a thief but dreams of becoming an educated, honest, and self-respecting person. His transformation proves that love, trust, forgiveness, and education have the power to change even someone who has taken the wrong path.

2. How does Anil play an important role in changing Hari’s life?
Ans: Anil plays the most important role in changing Hari Singh’s life because he treats him with kindness, trust, and understanding instead of suspicion and punishment. When Hari first meets Anil, he intends to become friends with him only to steal his money later. However, Anil welcomes him into his simple home, gives him food, shelter, and work, and never treats him like a criminal. Although Anil himself is not wealthy, he shares whatever little he has with Hari. More importantly, he promises to teach Hari how to read, write, and do arithmetic. This offer opens the door to a better future that Hari had never imagined before. Education gives him hope that he can one day earn an honest living instead of depending on theft. When Hari finally steals Anil’s savings and runs away, he is filled with guilt because he realises he is betraying someone who truly cares for him. He returns the money during the night and quietly places it under the mattress. The following morning, Anil does not question or scold Hari. Instead, he silently forgives him by handing him a fifty-rupee note and saying that they will begin writing full sentences that day. This gentle response shows that Anil understands Hari’s struggle and believes he deserves another chance. His compassion, patience, and faith in Hari’s goodness inspire the young boy to abandon his dishonest lifestyle. Anil teaches Hari not only academic skills but also important moral values such as honesty, responsibility, trust, and self-respect. Through his example, Anil proves that kindness and forgiveness can influence a person more deeply than anger or punishment. His guidance becomes the turning point that helps Hari choose a better and more meaningful life.

3. “The Thief’s Story is a story of trust and forgiveness.” Justify the statement.
Ans: The Thief’s Story is rightly described as a story of trust and forgiveness because these two qualities shape the relationship between Hari Singh and Anil and ultimately change Hari’s life. From the beginning, Anil places complete trust in Hari even though he knows very little about him. He allows the young boy to stay in his house, gives him work, shares his meals, and promises to educate him. Such trust is unusual because Hari is a stranger with a dishonest past. Unfortunately, Hari breaks this trust when he steals Anil’s six hundred rupees and decides to run away. However, while walking through the rain, Hari begins to think deeply about Anil’s kindness and the valuable opportunity to receive an education. His guilty conscience forces him to return the stolen money. The most touching moment in the story comes the next morning when Anil quietly forgives Hari without accusing or humiliating him. He pretends not to know about the theft and continues to encourage Hari by giving him money and promising to continue his lessons. This silent forgiveness is more powerful than any punishment because it makes Hari realise how much Anil believes in him. As a result, Hari decides to leave behind his life of crime and become an honest person. The story teaches that trust creates strong human relationships, while forgiveness has the power to correct mistakes and inspire positive change. It also reminds readers that everyone deserves a second chance if they are willing to learn from their errors. Through the characters of Hari and Anil, the author beautifully shows that kindness, trust, and forgiveness can transform even the most misguided person into someone responsible and morally strong.

4. Why did Hari return the stolen money?
Ans: Hari returned the stolen money because his conscience made him realise that honesty and education were far more valuable than the temporary happiness that stolen wealth could provide. After stealing Anil’s six hundred rupees, Hari felt confident that he could escape to Lucknow and live comfortably for some time. However, as he walked through the rainy streets carrying the money, he found himself unable to feel happy or proud of his success. Instead, he kept remembering Anil’s kindness, generosity, and trust. Anil had welcomed him into his home, shared his food, given him work, and, most importantly, promised to teach him reading, writing, and arithmetic. Hari realised that by stealing the money, he was not only taking away Anil’s savings but also losing the chance to become educated and build an honest future. He understood that the stolen money would eventually be spent, but education could help him earn respect, independence, and a secure livelihood for the rest of his life. His feelings of guilt became stronger as he thought about betraying someone who had treated him like a friend instead of a servant. Unable to ignore his conscience, Hari quietly returned to Anil’s house during the night and slipped the wet bundle of notes back under the mattress. The following morning, Anil silently forgave him by behaving normally and continuing his promise to educate him. This act of forgiveness confirmed that Hari had made the right decision. Returning the money became the turning point in his life because it marked the beginning of his moral transformation. The incident shows that inner goodness, trust, and the desire for self-improvement can help a person overcome temptation and choose the path of honesty.

5. What values do you learn from The Thief’s Story?
Ans: The Thief’s Story teaches many important values that remain meaningful in everyday life. The most important lesson is the value of honesty, as the story shows that dishonest earnings may bring temporary pleasure but never lasting peace or happiness. Hari Singh initially believes that stealing is the easiest way to survive, yet he soon discovers that living honestly brings greater satisfaction and self-respect. The story also highlights the importance of trust. Anil trusts Hari even though he is a stranger, and this trust becomes the foundation of Hari’s transformation. Another valuable lesson is forgiveness. Instead of punishing Hari after discovering the theft, Anil silently forgives him and gives him another opportunity to improve. This act of compassion changes Hari’s heart more effectively than any harsh punishment could have done. The story also emphasises the life-changing power of education. Hari realises that learning to read, write, and calculate is more valuable than stolen money because education can provide dignity, independence, and a secure future. In addition, the story teaches that kindness and generosity can inspire people to become better human beings. It reminds readers that everyone is capable of changing if they are treated with patience, understanding, and respect. Another important value is the courage to admit one’s mistakes and correct them. Hari chooses to return the money because he listens to his conscience and wants to become a better person. Overall, the story encourages readers to believe in second chances, practise honesty, value education, show kindness towards others, and understand that true success comes through hard work, good character, and moral values rather than through dishonest means.

6. Why did Hari decide not to board the train to Lucknow?
Ans: After stealing Anil’s six hundred rupees, Hari Singh hurried towards the railway station with the intention of escaping to Lucknow. However, while waiting for the train, he found himself unable to feel happy about his success. He kept thinking about Anil’s kindness, trust, and the promise to teach him reading, writing, and arithmetic. Hari realised that the stolen money would last only for a short time, but education could change his entire future. He also felt guilty for betraying the only person who had treated him with genuine affection and respect. His conscience became stronger than his desire for money. Instead of boarding the train, Hari walked back through the rainy streets and quietly returned the money under Anil’s mattress. His decision showed that he valued trust, education, and an honest future more than temporary wealth, marking the beginning of his transformation into a better person.

7. Describe the relationship between Hari Singh and Anil.
Ans: The relationship between Hari Singh and Anil is based on kindness, trust, and understanding. Hari first approaches Anil with dishonest intentions because he plans to steal from him later. However, Anil welcomes him warmly, gives him food, shelter, and work without asking many questions. He treats Hari like a companion rather than a servant and promises to educate him. Gradually, Hari begins to admire Anil’s simple lifestyle and generous nature. Although Hari steals Anil’s money, his guilt makes him return it because he does not want to lose Anil’s trust. Anil also understands Hari’s mistake but chooses to forgive him instead of punishing him. His silent forgiveness strengthens their bond and encourages Hari to become honest. Their relationship proves that love, trust, and compassion can transform a person’s character and build lasting respect between two individuals.

8. How is education shown as a turning point in Hari’s life?
Ans: Education plays a vital role in changing Hari Singh’s life. Before meeting Anil, Hari survives by stealing because he has no proper skills or education. Anil promises to teach him reading, writing, and arithmetic, giving him hope for a brighter future. Hari slowly understands that education can help him earn an honest living and become an independent person. After stealing Anil’s money, he realises that the money will soon disappear, but knowledge will remain with him forever. This thought fills him with regret and makes him return the stolen money. He chooses education over crime because he understands its lasting value. By deciding to continue learning from Anil, Hari begins a new chapter in his life. The story beautifully shows that education not only provides knowledge but also builds character, confidence, and the ability to make the right decisions.

9. What kind of person was Anil? Describe his character.
Ans: Anil is a kind, generous, and understanding young writer who believes in the goodness of people. Although he earns only a modest income, he willingly shares his food and shelter with Hari Singh. He trusts Hari without expecting anything in return and promises to teach him reading, writing, and arithmetic. Anil is patient and never behaves harshly towards him, even when Hari makes mistakes while cooking. His greatest quality is his forgiving nature. After discovering that Hari has stolen his money, he does not scold him or report him to the police. Instead, he silently forgives him and continues to encourage him by offering to teach him. This unexpected kindness deeply touches Hari and inspires him to change his life. Anil’s character shows that compassion, trust, and faith in others can bring out the best in people and help them become responsible citizens.

10. What message does The Thief’s Story convey to the readers?
Ans: The Thief’s Story conveys a powerful message about honesty, trust, forgiveness, and the importance of education. Through Hari Singh’s journey, the story shows that people are capable of changing if they are given love, understanding, and a second chance. Hari begins as a thief who believes that stealing is the easiest way to survive, but Anil’s kindness and trust awaken his conscience. Hari realises that education and honest work offer a much brighter future than stolen money. Anil’s silent forgiveness teaches that compassion can transform a person more effectively than punishment. The story also reminds readers that true wealth lies in knowledge, good character, and self-respect rather than in money gained through dishonest means. Overall, the story encourages everyone to admit their mistakes, learn from them, value education, and choose the path of honesty, kindness, and responsibility in life.