Notes Class 10 Chapter 1.2 Kumarbharati English Maharashtra Board

The Thief’s Story

Introduction

“The Thief’s Story” is a touching short story by Ruskin Bond, a renowned Indian author of British descent. Included in the Class 10 English curriculum, it tells the story of Hari Singh, a young thief, and his relationship with Anil, a kind and trusting man. Through their bond, the story explores themes of trust, honesty, and personal transformation. Narrated by Hari, the story offers a glimpse into his inner struggles and growth, showing how kindness can change even a dishonest heart. Ruskin Bond’s simple and engaging style makes the story relatable and meaningful for young readers.

About the Author

• Ruskin Bond: Born in 1934, he is an Indian author of British descent, living in Mussoorie, India.
• Known for his contributions to children’s literature in India.

Awards:

• Sahitya Academy Award (1992) for Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra.
• Padmashri (1999).
• Padmabhushan (2014).

His stories focus on human emotions, relationships, and life lessons, written in a simple yet impactful way.

Characters

Hari Singh:

• A 15-year-old thief, experienced and cunning despite his young age.
• Changes his name every month to avoid the police and past employers.
• Thin and dishonest at first, but his conscience leads to a change in his behavior.
• Dreams of becoming educated and respected.

Anil:

• A 25-year-old writer who earns money irregularly by writing for magazines.
• Tall, lean, kind, trusting, and easy-going.
• Helps others selflessly, teaching Hari to cook, read, and write.
• His forgiving nature plays a major role in Hari’s transformation.

Key Themes

1. Trust and Betrayal:

• Anil’s complete trust in Hari contrasts with Hari’s initial plan to betray him by stealing.
• Hari’s guilt shows the tension between trust and dishonesty.

2. Redemption and Change:

• Hari’s choice to return the stolen money reflects his desire to reform.
• The story suggests that kindness and opportunity can help people change for the better.

3. Kindness and Its Impact:

• Anil’s compassion and forgiveness inspire Hari to rethink his ways.
• The story shows how kindness can transform even a thief.

4. Education and Ambition:

• Hari values education, believing it can lead to a better life.
• His dream of becoming a respected person motivates him to stay with Anil.

5. Moral Dilemma:

• Hari struggles between stealing for quick gain and choosing honesty for a meaningful future.
• The story highlights the conflict between right and wrong.

Key Events (Detailed Notes)

1. Hari Meets Anil:

• Hari, a 15-year-old thief, meets Anil at a wrestling match.
• He flatters Anil, saying he looks like a wrestler, to gain his trust.
• Hari lies about his name, calling himself Hari Singh, and asks to work for Anil.
• Anil, kind and simple, says he can’t pay Hari but offers to feed him if he can cook.

2. Hari’s Life with Anil:

• Anil lets Hari stay in his room above Jumna Sweet Shop, sleeping on the balcony.
• Hari lies about his cooking skills, and his terrible meal is fed to a stray dog.
• Instead of dismissing Hari, Anil laughs, pats his head, and offers to teach him to cook.
• Anil also teaches Hari to write his name and promises to teach him sentences and numbers.
• Hari is grateful, knowing education could open doors to a better future.

3. Hari’s Dishonesty:

• For nearly a month, Hari makes tea and buys supplies, keeping a small profit (about one rupee daily) from the shopping money.
• Anil seems aware but doesn’t mind Hari’s petty cheating.
• Anil earns money irregularly, borrowing one week and lending the next, celebrating when he gets paid.

4. The Theft:

• One evening, Anil brings home a bundle of notes after selling a book.
• Hari sees him hide the money under the mattress and plans to steal it, thinking Anil might waste it.
• At night, while Anil sleeps, Hari quietly takes the money (600 rupees) and heads to the railway station to catch the 10:30 Express to Lucknow.

5. Hari’s Hesitation:

• At the station, Hari hesitates and misses the train, unable to explain his reluctance.
• Alone in the rain, he thinks about Anil’s trust and the sadness Anil would feel, not for the money but for the broken trust.
• Hari realizes he’s losing Anil’s kindness, the chance to learn, and an honest life.

6. Hari’s Return:

• Overcome with guilt, Hari decides to return the money and go back to Anil.
• He sneaks into the room and slips the notes back under the mattress without waking Anil.
• This act shows his courage to choose honesty over crime.

7. The Final Moment:

• The next morning, Anil gives Hari a 50-rupee note, saying he made money and will pay Hari regularly.
• The note is wet from the rain, hinting that Anil knows about the theft but chooses silence.
• Anil says they’ll start writing sentences, showing faith in Hari’s potential.
• Hari smiles genuinely, feeling relieved and hopeful for a fresh start.

Moral of the Story

• Kindness and trust can transform a dishonest person.
• Education and honesty are more valuable than money gained through wrong means.
• People can redeem themselves by making the right choices after mistakes.