The Thief’s Story

Textual Notes for Class 10 English 

Footprints Without Feet - Chapter 2 – The Thief’s Story

The story "The Thief's Story" is about a boy named Hari who meets a man named Anil at a wrestling event. Hari wants to work for Anil, even though Anil says he has no money. Hari offers to cook for him. Anil lets Hari stay and teach him how to cook. Anil also teaches Hari how to read and write. Anil doesn't always have money, but when he gets a lot, he spends it on his friends. One day, Hari steals 600 rupees from Anil but feels guilty and returns the money when it gets wet. Anil knows what happened but doesn't get angry. He gives Hari 50 rupees and Hari decides to change his ways and start a new life.'

1. Who does ‘I’ refer to in this story?

In the story, ‘I’ refers to the narrator of the story Hari Singh, who was a fifteen-year-old thief.

2. What is he “a fairly successful hand” at?

He's really good at stealing and robbing. He's done it a lot and knows how to do it quickly without getting caught. He's skilled at taking things from people.

3. What does he get from Anil in return for his work?

When Hari asked Anil for a job, Anil said he couldn't pay but offered food and shelter if Hari cooked. When Hari couldn't cook, Anil taught him. He promised to teach writing and calculate numbers. Anil also gave Hari money for supplies, letting him earn a rupee profit each day.

Read and Find Out (Page 10)

1. How does the thief think Anil will react to the theft?

Hari, the thief, thought that on discovering his theft, Anil would be filled with sadness, not because of the loss of money, but for losing the trust he had in him.

2. What does he say about the different reactions of people when they are robbed?

In Hari's time as a thief, he noticed how people reacted when robbed: a greedy person got scared, a rich one got mad, and a poor one accepted it.

3. Does Anil realise that he has been robbed?

Yes, Anil figured out that Hari had stolen from him, maybe because the money was damp from the rain. But he didn't say anything. Instead, he gave Hari fifty rupees and promised to pay him regularly.

Think about it (Page 13)

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?

Hari was thankful to Anil for teaching him to write his name and was eager to learn more. He believed education would raise his social status. However, when he stole from Anil and left, he realized education was more fulfilling than stealing. He feared getting caught and felt guilty for betraying Anil's kindness. His desire for education made him return to Anil's house, understanding the respect and opportunities it could bring him.

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?

Anil knew Hari stole but didn't involve the police or scold him. He was glad Hari learned from his mistake and valued education. He forgave Hari and didn't mention the theft.

In today's world, finding someone like Anil is rare. Most people wouldn't react as patiently and kindly as he did. Anil cared about Hari's education and wanted him to live a respectable life.

Anil stood out from other employers for his understanding and compassion. When Hari returned with the money, it gave Anil hope that Hari wanted to change his ways and become a noble and educated man.

Talk about it (Page 13)

1. Do you think people like Anil and Hari Singh are found only in fiction, or are there such people in real life?

In real life, people like Anil and Hari Singh are seldom found and are mostly seen only in stories. However, occasionally, we might encounter individuals similar to Anil. Anil is portrayed as caring and concerned about Hari's education and future. When Hari stole from him, it made him reconsider and understand the value of education. Thus, encountering such fictional characters in reality is rare.

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?

It's clear from the story that Anil was a struggling writer. His life was simple, with money coming irregularly. He'd borrow one week and lend the next. He fretted over his next paycheck, but when it came, he'd celebrate with friends. Hari noticed Anil couldn't pay a regular salary due to his unstable income. Yet, Hari felt Anil treated him well despite earning little, showing kindness and consideration.

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?

I haven't personally encountered anyone like Hari Singh, but individuals like him do exist. Sometimes, circumstances force fifteen-year-old boys to turn to crime. People often commit crimes to feed themselves or their families, satisfy addictions, or fulfill desires for a better life.

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?

The story takes place near Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, as hinted by the mention of a railway station for trains to Lucknow. Sweet shops, markets, and bazaars suggest a small town setting. It's likely the characters spoke in Hindi rather than English.