CBSE Class 10 English NCERT Solutions: The Thief's Story

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NCERT Solutions PDF Class 10 PDF

This section provides detailed NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English, Chapter 2, "The Thief's Story." It covers key questions from the "Read and Find Out" and "Think About It" sections, focusing on character analysis of Hari Singh and Anil, plot development, and thematic elements like trust, education, and redemption. The solutions delve into Hari's motivations for returning to Anil, Anil's forgiving nature, and the societal reactions to theft. These explanations are designed to help students grasp the nuances of the story, understand character psychology, and prepare effectively for their English examinations by offering clear, concise, and insightful answers.

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BoardCBSE
ClassClass 10
SubjectEnglish
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
Chapter2. The Thief' s Story

Chapter summary

NCERT Solutions for "The Thief's Story" (Class 10 English) offers in-depth answers to questions about the narrative. It explores the identity of the narrator, his skills as a thief, and his relationship with Anil. The solutions analyze Hari Singh's changing perspective on education and his eventual return to Anil, highlighting Anil's understanding and forgiving nature. The chapter's exercises focus on character study and thematic interpretation, providing students with a clear understanding of the story's moral and social undertones.

Learning outcomes

  • Identify the narrator and his background in "The Thief's Story."
  • Analyze the relationship between Hari Singh and Anil.
  • Understand Hari Singh's evolving perspective on education.
  • Explain the reasons behind Hari Singh's decision to return to Anil.
  • Discuss Anil's character and his reaction to being robbed.
  • Interpret the different societal reactions to theft as described in the story.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Character Analysis: Hari Singh
  • Character Analysis: Anil
  • Theft and its consequences
  • The role of trust
  • The importance of education
  • Redemption and second chances
  • Societal reactions to crime
  • Narrative perspective
  • Hari Singh's motivations
  • Anil's forgiving nature

Important topics

  • Hari Singh's character arc
  • Anil's role in Hari's transformation
  • The theme of education as a path to a better life
  • Hari's decision to return
  • Anil's understanding and trust

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1.

Who does 'I' refer to in this story?
Solution: The narrator, referred to as 'I' in "The Thief's Story," is Hari Singh. He is a fifteen-year-old boy who works as a thief and narrates his experiences and thoughts throughout the story.

Question 2.

What is he "a fairly successful hand" at?
Solution: Hari Singh describes himself as "a fairly successful hand" at stealing. This means he is quite skilled and experienced in his profession as a thief, managing to rob people without being caught due to his swift and clean methods.

Question 3.

What does he get from Anil in return for his work?
Solution: In exchange for his services, which primarily involved household chores like cooking and shopping, Anil provides Hari Singh with food and a place to live. Anil does not pay Hari a regular wage, but offers him basic necessities.

Question 4.

How does the thief think Anil will react to the theft?
Solution: The thief, Hari Singh, believes that Anil's reaction to the theft would not be one of anger or financial loss. Instead, Hari anticipates that Anil would feel sadness, primarily due to the betrayal of trust. Hari understands that Anil trusted him, and the loss of that trust would hurt Anil more than the loss of money.

Question 5.

What does he say about the different reactions of people when they are robbed?
Solution: Based on his experience as a thief, Hari Singh has observed that people react differently when they are robbed. He notes that a greedy man shows fear, a rich man displays anger, and a poor man typically accepts the loss with resignation.

Question 6.

Does Anil realise that he has been robbed?
Solution: Yes, Anil does realize that he has been robbed. Although he doesn't confront Hari directly, his subtle actions, like mentioning the still-damp fifty-rupee note which Hari had stolen and then returned, indicate that he is aware of the theft.

Question 1.

What are Hari Singh's reactions at the prospect of receiving an education? Do they change overtime? (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?
Solution: Initially, Hari Singh is excited about the prospect of education, especially when he learns to write his name. He believes that becoming educated will significantly enhance his capabilities and open doors to greater achievements and respect. His initial thoughts focus on the practical benefits, like earning more money. However, as he spends more time with Anil and reflects on his actions after stealing, his perspective deepens. He starts to understand that education offers more than just financial gain; it provides a path to becoming a 'clever and respected man.' This realization, coupled with a growing sense of guilt and a desire for a better future, compels him to return to Anil, not just for the stolen money, but for the opportunity to truly transform himself through learning.

Question 2.

Why does Anil not 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?
Solution: Anil does not hand Hari Singh over to the police because he is an understanding and forgiving person. He likely realizes that Hari is young and perhaps misguided, and that punishing him severely might not lead to genuine change. Anil seems to believe in giving people a second chance, especially when he sees Hari's remorse and his desire to learn. Most people, especially if they were victims of theft, might have handed the thief over to the authorities. Anil is different from such employers because he prioritizes Hari's potential for reform and personal growth over immediate retribution. Instead of punishing Hari, Anil offers him continued support and the opportunity to become educated, demonstrating a compassionate and hopeful approach to dealing with mistakes.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing the narrator's age and experience.
  • Underestimating the impact of trust and education on Hari Singh.
  • Failing to recognize Anil's unique, understanding approach.
  • Not fully grasping the significance of Hari's return.

Revision tips

  • Focus on the character development of Hari Singh and Anil.
  • Understand the theme of redemption through education.
  • Note Anil's forgiving nature and its impact on Hari.
  • Practice answering questions about Hari's motivations and changes.

Practice MCQs

Q1. Who is the narrator of "The Thief's Story"?

Q2. What does Anil provide Hari Singh in return for his work?

Q3. How does Hari Singh feel about the prospect of learning to write?

Q4. What is Anil's reaction when he realizes he has been robbed?

Q5. According to Hari Singh's experience, how do different people react when robbed?

Frequently asked questions

Who is the narrator in "The Thief's Story"?

The narrator is Hari Singh, a fifteen-year-old boy who is an experienced thief and recounts his experiences with Anil.

What does Anil do for a living?

Anil is a writer who struggles to make ends meet. He buys and sells goods to his friends and writes for magazines.

Why does Hari Singh return to Anil's house?

Hari Singh returns to Anil's house because he realizes the value of education and the respect it brings, which he believes will enable him to become a 'really big man'.

How does Anil show his trust in Hari Singh?

Anil shows trust by leaving the key to his door under the door and by not directly confronting Hari when he realizes the money was stolen.

What lesson does Hari Singh learn from Anil?

Hari Singh learns about honesty, the value of education, and the possibility of leading a respectable life, moving beyond petty theft.

Why doesn't Anil hand Hari Singh over to the police?

Anil doesn't hand Hari over to the police because he is understanding and believes Hari has realized his mistake and the importance of education. He gives Hari a chance to change.

Important links

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