ENGLISH CLASS- 10
CHAPTER-2
(The Thief's Story)
The Thief's Story
1. What are Hari Singh's reactions to the prospect of receiving an education? Do they change over time? What makes him return to Anil?
At first, Hari Singh is interested in education mainly because he sees it as a way to earn more money. He thinks that if he learns to read and write, he will be able to make larger amounts of money and improve his life. His early attitude is practical and self-centred.
However, his thoughts gradually change. Later, he realizes that education offers much more than money. He understands that being educated can help him become a respected, successful, and honest person. He begins to value knowledge and self-improvement.
This change in attitude is reflected in his thoughts: “Whole sentences, I knew, could one day bring me more than a few hundred rupees.” He realizes that education can provide long-term opportunities that stealing never can.
Hari returns to Anil because he is deeply influenced by Anil's trust, kindness, and generosity. Anil treats him with respect and offers to teach him reading, writing, and cooking. Hari understands that by staying with Anil, he has a chance to build an honest and meaningful future. His desire for education and self-respect ultimately brings him back.
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?
Anil does not hand Hari Singh over to the police because he understands that the boy is capable of changing. Instead of punishing him, Anil chooses to forgive him and give him another chance. He believes that trust and kindness can reform a person more effectively than harsh punishment.
Most people might have reported the thief to the police or dismissed him immediately. After all, Hari had stolen money and broken his employer's trust.
Anil is different because he is compassionate, understanding, and generous. He sees the good qualities hidden within Hari and wants to help him become a better person. By replacing the stolen money and continuing to teach Hari, Anil shows remarkable faith in human goodness and the power of education.
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?
People like Anil and Hari Singh certainly exist in real life. There are many individuals who make mistakes because of poverty, lack of guidance, or difficult circumstances, just as Hari Singh does.
Similarly, there are kind and generous people like Anil who believe in helping others and giving them a second chance. Such people often play an important role in changing lives through trust, education, and encouragement. Therefore, the characters in the story are realistic and represent qualities that can be found 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?
Yes, it is a significant detail that Anil is a struggling writer. Writers are often thoughtful, observant, and sensitive to human emotions and behaviour.
Anil's profession helps explain his understanding and compassionate nature. Despite having limited financial resources, he is willing to help Hari by giving him food, shelter, and education. His ability to understand people allows him to recognize Hari's potential for change. Thus, his profession contributes to his patient and forgiving attitude.
3. Have you met anyone like Hari Singh? Can you think and imagine the circumstances that turn a fifteen-year-old boy into a thief?
I have not personally met someone exactly like Hari Singh, but many young people may be driven towards wrongdoing because of difficult circumstances.
Factors such as poverty, homelessness, lack of education, unemployment, family problems, bad company, and the absence of proper guidance can influence a young person to become a thief. When children struggle to meet basic needs and lack positive role models, they may choose dishonest ways to survive. However, with support, education, and encouragement, they can often change their lives for the better.
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 is set in India, most likely in a large city such as Delhi or another North Indian urban area. Clues can be found in the names of the characters, such as Anil and Hari Singh, which are common Indian names.
Languages commonly spoken in such places include Hindi, along with other regional languages. English is also understood by many educated people.
It is unlikely that Hari Singh and Anil spoke to each other entirely in English. Since Hari was still learning to read and write, they most probably communicated mainly in Hindi or another local language. The story is written in English because it has been translated or adapted for English readers.