The Thief's Story Class 10 English Notes

Summary

Meeting Anil

The narrator, Hari Singh, a teenage thief, meets Anil, a wrestler about 25 years old. Hari Singh, who uses new names monthly to evade police and former employers, lies about his name and cooking abilities to gain Anil's trust and employment. Anil, described as tall, lean, easy-going, kind, and simple, agrees to feed Hari Singh if he can cook, despite not being able to pay him.

Hari Singh's Life with Anil

Hari Singh begins working for Anil, sleeping on the balcony. Anil teaches him to cook, write his name, and promises to teach him to write whole sentences and add numbers. Hari Singh enjoys working for Anil, making a small profit by overcharging for daily supplies, which Anil seems to tolerate. Anil, a struggling writer, earns money sporadically, living from cheque to cheque and celebrating when he gets paid.

The Theft

One evening, Anil returns with a bundle of money earned from selling a book and tucks it under his mattress. Hari Singh, who has had ample opportunity to steal from the trusting Anil, decides to rob him, rationalizing that Anil might waste the money and doesn't pay him anyway. He slips into Anil's room while he sleeps and steals the notes.

Escape and Realization

Hari Singh escapes with the money and heads towards the station to catch the 10:30 Express to Lucknow. However, he hesitates at the last moment and misses the train. Stranded at the deserted station, he realizes he has no place to go or anyone to turn to except Anil. He reflects on the reactions of different people when robbed: the greedy show fear, the rich show anger, and the poor show acceptance. He knows Anil's reaction will be one of sadness for the loss of trust, not the money.

Return and Forgiveness

As it rains heavily, Hari Singh sits under the clock tower, feeling the dampness of the stolen notes. He realizes that learning to read and write would ultimately bring him more than just a few hundred rupees and make him a clever and respected man. He decides to return the money to Anil, which he finds more difficult than stealing it. He creeps back into Anil's room and slips the notes back under the mattress.

Anil's Awareness

The next morning, Anil makes tea. He hands Hari Singh a fifty-rupee note, explaining he made some money and Hari will now be paid regularly. Hari Singh notices the note is still wet from the rain, realizing Anil knows he stole the money. Anil, however, does not confront him, instead stating, "Today we'll start writing sentences." Hari Singh smiles at Anil, a genuine smile this time.

The story is about the transformative power of trust and kindness, showing how they can lead to personal reform and redemption.

Remember
The story emphasizes that genuine human connection and the opportunity for self-improvement are more valuable than material wealth. 🎯 Exam-smart: An extract might describe Hari Singh's decision to steal, or his feelings on the platform after missing the train. You would need to explain his motivations, his internal conflict, and the significance of his realization about education and trust.

Characters

Hari Singh (The Narrator)

Hari Singh is a fifteen-year-old boy who is a thief. He narrates the story, revealing his thoughts and experiences.

Experienced Thief: He states, "I was still a thief when I met Anil. And though only 15, I was an experienced and fairly successful hand." He also mentions he "hadn’t had much luck of late" before meeting Anil, implying he had been actively stealing.
Deceptive: He uses false names ("Hari Singh," he lied. I took a new name every month.) and lies about his ability to cook ("I can cook," I lied again.) to gain employment and trust.
Observant and Analytical: He carefully observes people, especially when they are robbed. He notes, "The greedy man showed fear; the rich man showed anger; the poor man showed acceptance." He also analyzes Anil's potential reaction to theft.
Opportunistic: He sees Anil, described as "easy-going, kind and simple enough for my purpose," as an easy target for theft. He notices Anil "tuck the money under the mattress" and plans to steal it.
Changeable/Reformable: Initially driven by the thrill and profit of theft, his perspective shifts after stealing from Anil. He realizes the value of education and trust, saying, "I should go back to Anil, I told myself, if only to learn to read and write." He ultimately returns the stolen money.

Change by the end: Hari Singh, initially a hardened thief, experiences a transformation. He begins to value education and human trust over the immediate gains of theft, leading him to return the money and seek a better future.

Anil

Anil is a young man, about 25 years old, who is a writer. He is described as "a tall, lean fellow — and he looked easy-going, kind and simple enough for my purpose."

Trusting and Kind: He readily employs Hari Singh despite not being able to pay him. He shows kindness by offering to teach Hari Singh to cook and write. He states, "But I can’t pay you." and "never mind, he’d teach me to cook."
Forgiving: Even after Hari Singh steals from him, Anil doesn't confront him directly or show anger. He implicitly forgives Hari Singh by accepting him back and continuing to teach him.
Simple and Careless: Hari Singh perceives him as "simple enough" and "careless." Anil's lifestyle is irregular ("Anil made money by fits and starts. He would borrow one week, lend the next.") and he doesn't seem overly concerned about his finances or the stolen money.
Perceptive: Despite his apparent carelessness, Anil seems to understand Hari Singh's true nature. He knows Hari Singh cheats him on shopping ("I think he knew I made a little money this way but he did not seem to mind.") and implies he knows about the theft by returning the damp 50-rupee note.
Encouraging: He believes in Hari Singh's potential for a better life, offering to teach him to write sentences and add numbers, which ultimately inspires Hari Singh to return.

Change by the end: Anil remains consistent in his character, showing grace and understanding. His actions demonstrate his belief in redemption and the power of trust.

Other characters

Stray Dog: The stray dog is given Hari Singh's terrible first meal by Anil, highlighting the poor quality of his cooking initially.

Remember
Character traits must be supported by direct evidence (actions or dialogue) from the text. 🎯 Exam-smart: An extract might show Hari Singh's deception or Anil's trust. You would need to identify the trait and quote the supporting line or describe the action from the extract. For example, if the extract shows Hari Singh smiling and saying "I want to work for you," you would identify his deception and opportunism, linking it to his lie about cooking.

Themes and Message

The Transformative Power of Trust and Kindness

The story shows how trust and kindness, even from a stranger like Anil, can deeply influence a person. Hari Singh, a young thief, initially approaches Anil with the intention to steal. However, Anil's easy-going, kind, and simple nature, and his willingness to teach Hari useful skills like cooking and writing, begin to change Hari's perspective. Anil's trusting attitude – giving Hari a key and not minding his small profits from shopping – makes Hari feel a sense of responsibility. The text shows this when Hari thinks, "And that is why it was so difficult to rob him." This idea is further developed when Hari returns the stolen money, not out of fear of getting caught, but because he values the trust Anil placed in him and the opportunity to learn.

The Corrupting Influence and Limitations of a Life of Crime

The narrative highlights the loneliness and instability of a life dedicated to thievery. Hari Singh admits, "I had no friends, believing that friends were more trouble than help." He constantly changes his name to escape the police and former employers, indicating a life without genuine connections or stability. His profession, as he states, is "a fairly successful hand" at stealing, but he recognizes its limitations: "It’s easy to rob a greedy man... but it’s difficult to rob a careless man — sometimes he doesn’t even notice he’s been robbed and that takes all the pleasure out of the work." He also realizes that his current life, while providing immediate gain, has no future prospects: "Whole sentences, I knew, could one day bring me more than a few hundred rupees. But to be a really big man, a clever and respected man, was something else." This realization is what ultimately prompts him to return to Anil.

The Significance of Education and Self-Improvement

The story emphasizes that education and learning new skills are crucial for personal growth and a better future. Hari Singh's initial motivation to learn is self-serving: "I knew that once I could write like an educated man there would be no limit to what I could achieve." However, after stealing from Anil, he reflects on the deeper value of learning: "Whole sentences, I knew, could one day bring me more than a few hundred rupees. But to be a really big man, a clever and respected man, was something else." His decision to return the money is driven by a desire to learn to read and write, seeing it as a path to becoming a "clever and respected man." Anil's teaching becomes a symbol of opportunity for Hari to escape his past and build a meaningful life.

Why the title "The Thief's Story"

The title "The Thief's Story" is significant because the entire narrative is told from the first-person perspective of Hari Singh, the thief. It directly frames the story as his personal account of his encounter with Anil and the events that lead to his change of heart. The title suggests that the story will explore the world and mindset of a thief, but it ultimately subverts this expectation by showing a thief who is capable of remorse and transformation. The title also highlights the central character's identity, which he attempts to shed by lying about his name, but which is undeniably the core of his experience being recounted.

Tone and Mood

The initial tone of the story is somewhat cynical and opportunistic, reflecting Hari Singh's life as a thief. There is a sense of adventure and mild tension as he plans and executes the theft. However, as the story progresses, the tone shifts. Anil's kindness introduces a more hopeful and reflective mood. Hari's internal conflict and his eventual decision to return the money bring a sense of poignancy and introspection. The ending, with Anil's knowing silence and continued kindness, creates a mood of warmth and quiet understanding, suggesting redemption is possible.

The Message

The message of "The Thief's Story" is that human connection, kindness, and education have the power to transform individuals. It suggests that even those on the fringes of society, like Hari Singh, can change their ways if given trust and opportunity. The story advocates for empathy rather than judgment, showing that a person's circumstances and choices can be influenced by the positive actions of others. It also emphasizes that true fulfillment comes not from material gain alone, but from developing oneself as a person and earning respect through honest means.

Remember
The story is narrated by the thief, Hari Singh. His perspective is crucial for understanding the themes of trust, transformation, and the desire for a better life.

Exam-smart
An extract could focus on Hari’s decision to return the money. The question might ask: "Analyze Hari Singh's internal conflict and the factors that lead him to return Anil's money." Your answer should highlight his realization about the value of trust, education, and the limitations of his criminal life, citing specific instances from the text.

Language and Literary Devices

The Thief's Story

Device	Exact words from the text	Effect
First-person narration	"I was still a thief when I met Anil." "I hadn't had much luck of late and thought I might be able to get into the young man’s confidence."	Creates immediacy and intimacy, allowing the reader to experience events through Hari Singh's eyes and understand his motivations, fears, and eventual change. This personal perspective draws the reader into the narrative.
Irony	"And though only 15, I was an experienced and fairly successful hand." "I took a new name every month. That kept me ahead of the police and my former employers." "If you can cook, then may be I can feed you.” “I can cook,” I lied again.	The irony lies in Hari Singh's claim of experience, yet his first attempt at cooking is terrible. His lies about his name and cooking skills highlight his deceptive nature, which is contrasted with Anil's trusting disposition.
Imagery	"Anil was watching a wrestling match when I approached him. He was about 25 — a tall, lean fellow — and he looked easy-going, kind and simple enough for my purpose." "A beam of moonlight stepped over the balcony and fell on the bed."	The description of Anil creates a visual image of his appearance and personality, making him seem approachable. The moonlight imagery creates a mood of stealth and quietude during the theft.
Contrast	Anil: "easy-going, kind and simple enough for my purpose." Hari Singh's profession: "thief," "fairly successful hand," "experienced."	This contrast immediately establishes the inherent conflict and moral difference between the two characters, setting up the central theme of trust versus deception.
Understatement	"But the meal I cooked that night must have been terrible because Anil gave it to a stray dog and told me to be off."	Hari Singh downplays the disaster of his cooking, using understatement to convey how truly awful it was, making the reader appreciate Anil's reaction and Hari's persistence.
Symbolism	The act of learning to write whole sentences.	Represents the path to self-improvement, respect, and a legitimate future, contrasting with the transient gain from theft. It symbolizes the transformative power of education.
Foreshadowing	"I knew that once I could write like an educated man there would be no limit to what I could achieve." "It’s easy to rob a greedy man, because he can afford to be robbed; but it’s difficult to rob a careless man..."	Hari Singh's early realization about the potential of education hints at his future desire for it. His reflection on robbing different types of people foreshadows his internal conflict and decision to return the money.
Humour	"Anil talked about the well-oiled wrestlers who were grunting, lifting and throwing each other about. I didn’t have much to say."	The humour comes from Hari Singh's awkwardness and inability to relate to the wrestling scene, juxtaposed with his confidence in his thieving skills.
Repetition	"I smiled in my most appealing way."	The repetition emphasizes Hari Singh's calculated charm and his manipulative attempts to gain trust, highlighting it as a tool in his trade.

Style and point of view

The story is told from the first-person perspective of Hari Singh, a young thief. This narrative choice is crucial as it allows the reader direct access to Hari Singh's thoughts, feelings, and evolving conscience. His tone is often cynical and pragmatic, especially when discussing his profession and the people he robs. However, as the story progresses, there's a noticeable shift towards a more reflective and vulnerable tone, particularly after he steals the money and experiences the consequences of his actions. This shift in tone mirrors his internal transformation and the growing influence of Anil's trust on him. The point of view is limited to Hari Singh's experiences and understanding, which means the reader only learns about Anil through Hari's observations and interpretations. This creates suspense, particularly regarding Anil's awareness of Hari's theft.

Remember
The effectiveness of a story often lies in the narrator's voice. Hari Singh's voice transitions from a hardened thief to someone yearning for a better life, which is a key aspect of the story's impact.

Exam-smart
An extract might focus on Hari Singh's inner monologue during the theft or his reflections on the train platform. You would be asked to analyze his feelings, motivations, and the literary devices used to convey them, such as his use of irony or the imagery that paints his emotional state. For example, "What does Hari Singh mean by saying Anil is a 'careless man'? Explain with reference to the text."

Vocabulary

Word or Phrase	Meaning in THIS sentence	The line it comes from
fairly successful hand	Experienced and quite good at something	"And though only 15, I was an experienced and fairly successful hand."
easy-going	Relaxed and not easily worried or angered	"He was about 25 — a tall, lean fellow — and he looked easy-going, kind and simple..."
purpose	The reason for which something is done or created	"...and he looked easy-going, kind and simple enough for my purpose."
confidence	A feeling of being able to rely on someone or something	"... I might be able to get into the young man’s confidence."
flattery	Excessive or insincere praise	"A little flattery helps in making friends."
modestly	In a way that shows humility; without boasting	"Well," I said modestly, "I do wrestle a bit."
casually	In a relaxed and unconcerned manner	"Anil walked away. I followed casually."
misjudged	Formed an incorrect opinion about	"Perhaps I had misjudged my man."
stray dog	A dog without a home or owner	"...Anil gave it to a stray dog and told me to be off."
hung around	Waited or lingered without a clear purpose	"But I just hung around, smiling in my most appealing way..."
patted	Touched gently with the hand	"Later, he patted me on the head and said never mind..."
fits and starts	Irregularly; in an uneven way	"Anil made money by fits and starts."
worrying	Feeling anxious or troubled about something	"He kept worrying about his next cheque..."
celebrate	To mark an occasion with enjoyment and festivity	"...but as soon as it arrived he would go out and celebrate."
queer way	Strange or unusual way	"It seems he wrote for magazines — a queer way to make a living!"
tuck	To place or store something securely	"At night, I saw him tuck the money under the mattress."
cheating	Acting dishonestly or unfairly to gain an advantage	"...apart from cheating on the shopping, had not done anything in my line of work."
trusting person	Someone who tends to believe that others are honest	"He was the most trusting person I had ever met."
betray	To break the trust or confidence of someone	"Does the boy betray his trust?"
afford	Have enough money to pay for	"It’s easy to rob a greedy man, because he can afford to be robbed..."
careless man	Not giving sufficient attention or thought to something	"...but it’s difficult to rob a careless man..."
out of practice	Not having done an activity for a long time	"I’m out of practice."
pleasure	A feeling of happy satisfaction and enjoyment	"...and that takes all the pleasure out of the work."
spectacles	Eyeglasses	(Not explicitly in the provided text, but a common term associated with Anil's profession)
considering	Thinking carefully about something	"I sat up on the floor, considering the situation."
peacefully	In a calm and quiet way	"Anil was sleeping peacefully."
unlined	Without wrinkles or lines, often suggesting youth or peace	"His face was clear and unlined..."
marks	Scars or blemishes on the skin	"...though I had more marks on my face, though mine were mostly scars."
scars	Permanent marks left on the skin after an injury	"...though mine were mostly scars."
crept	Moved slowly and quietly	"Slipping out of the blanket, I crept up to the bed."
startled	Feeling sudden shock or alarm	"I was startled and quickly crawled out of the room."
pyjamas	Loose-fitting garments worn for sleeping	"I had the notes at my waist, held there by the string of my pyjamas."
dashed	Ran very quickly	"...but dashed straight to the platform."
hesitated	Stopped briefly before doing something	"...but I hesitated — for some reason I can’t explain — and I lost the chance..."
deserted	Empty of people	"...standing alone on the deserted platform."
goods	Possessions or property	"...when they had lost their goods."
acceptance	The act of agreeing to receive or believe something	"The poor man showed acceptance."
sadness	A feeling of sorrow or unhappiness	"...would show only a touch of sadness."
maidan	An open field or public ground in a town or city	"I found myself in the maidan and sat down on a bench."
chilly	Unpleasantly cold	"The night was chilly — it was early November..."
drizzle	Light rain	"...and a light drizzle added to my discomfort."
discomfort	A feeling of physical unease or mild pain	"...and a light drizzle added to my discomfort."
shelter	Protection from bad weather or danger	"I went back to the bazaar and sat down in the shelter of the clock tower."
detected	Discovered or identified	"...for it is much easier to steal something than to return it undetected."
nervous	Apprehensive or anxious	"I hurried back to the room feeling very nervous..."
clouded	Made less bright or clear; obscured	"...then stood in the doorway, in clouded moonlight."
breath	The air taken into or expelled from the lungs	"I felt his breath on my hand."
sank	Went down below the surface of water or another liquid	"My heart sank."
discovered	Found out about something	"I thought I had been discovered."
spirits rose	Became happier or more cheerful	"My spirits rose."
regularly	At consistent intervals; often	"Now you’ll be paid regularly."
appealing way	In an attractive or attractive manner	"I smiled at Anil in my most appealing way."
effort	A conscious exertion of strength or energy	"And the smile came by itself, without any effort."

Remember
Learning new vocabulary helps in understanding the text better and also in expressing your own thoughts more effectively in essays and answers. Pay attention to how words are used in context.

Exam-smart
In an extract-based question, you might be asked to explain the meaning of a specific word or phrase used in the passage, or to identify a synonym for it. For example, if the extract contains the word "modestly," you could be asked to explain its meaning or to choose the best option from given synonyms like "humbly" or "proudly."

Questions and Answers

Textbook questions

Hari Singh’s reaction to education: Initially, Hari Singh is motivated by the practical benefits of education, thinking, "I knew that once I could write like an educated man there would be no limit to what I could achieve." Later, he realizes the deeper value, understanding that "Whole sentences... could one day bring me more than a few hundred rupees. But to be a really big man, a clever and respected man, was something else." He returns to Anil because he desires to become a clever and respected man through learning.

Anil’s decision not to report Hari Singh: Anil likely doesn't hand Hari Singh over to the police because he understands the boy’s potential for change. Anil is a trusting and easy-going person, unlike typical employers who might be more stringent. He sees that Hari Singh is capable of learning and perhaps believes in giving him a second chance, focusing on rehabilitation rather than punishment.

Anil and Hari Singh in real life: Characters like Anil and Hari Singh are found in real life. Many people, especially those in vulnerable situations, are like Hari Singh, seeking opportunities and a better future, sometimes resorting to dishonest means. Anil represents the kind, forgiving, and understanding individuals who believe in redemption and human potential, offering support rather than condemnation.

Anil as a struggling writer: Anil's profession as a writer explains his fits and starts lifestyle and financial instability. This might also explain his understanding nature and trust in Hari Singh; perhaps he, too, has faced hardships and understands the complexities of life. His focus is not solely on monetary gain but on human connection and personal growth, which is reflected in his patient teaching of Hari Singh.

Circumstances turning a boy into a thief: A fifteen-year-old can turn into a thief due to various circumstances such as poverty, lack of family support, orphanhood, or being exposed to a criminal environment. Hari Singh’s statement, "I took a new name every month. That kept me ahead of the police and my former employers," suggests a history of running away from consequences, indicating a life of instability and necessity driving his actions.

Story setting and language: The story is set in India, hinted at by the mention of the Jumna Sweet Shop and the Lucknow Express. The primary language spoken between characters, given the context of the story and the typical interactions, would likely be Hindi. However, the narration is in English, implying that English is understood and used as a common language for communication or by the author to reach a wider audience.

Practice for the exam

Short Answer Questions:

How does Hari Singh's initial motivation for working with Anil differ from his later realization? Hari Singh initially approaches Anil with the intent to rob him, seeing him as an "easy-going, kind and simple" target. His immediate goal is financial gain through theft. However, after experiencing Anil’s trust and kindness, and the possibility of learning, Hari Singh’s motivation shifts. He begins to value education and respect, realizing that "to be a really big man, a clever and respected man, was something else" beyond mere financial gain.
Why did Hari Singh hesitate to board the Lucknow Express? Hari Singh hesitated to board the Lucknow Express due to an unexplainable feeling or a moment of indecision. Although he had the stolen money and the opportunity to escape, he "lost the chance to get away" because he "hesitated — for some reason I can’t explain". This pause signifies an internal conflict, a subconscious pull towards Anil and the path of honesty.
Describe Anil’s financial situation and how it affects his relationship with Hari Singh. Anil lives a financially precarious life, making money "by fits and starts." He would "borrow one week, lend the next" and worried about his "next cheque." Despite this, he is generous and trusting, not minding if Hari Singh made a little extra profit from shopping. Anil’s own struggles perhaps make him more empathetic and less inclined to punish Hari Singh severely.

Long Answer Questions:

Analyse the theme of trust and betrayal in "The Thief's Story." How does Anil's trust influence Hari Singh's actions? The story revolves around the theme of trust and its profound impact. Hari Singh, a young thief, initially plans to exploit Anil's naive trust for his own gain. Anil, described as "the most trusting person I had ever met," gives Hari Singh freedom and even a key to his room, unknowingly facilitating the planned theft. However, Anil's unwavering faith and his subsequent kindness, especially his willingness to teach Hari Singh, create a moral conflict within the thief. This trust makes Hari Singh question his actions, realizing that betraying such genuine faith is more painful than the act of stealing itself. His eventual return of the money is a direct consequence of Anil's trust, highlighting how kindness can inspire change even in hardened individuals.
Discuss Hari Singh's internal conflict and his eventual decision to return to Anil. What does this reveal about his character development? Hari Singh experiences a significant internal conflict after stealing the money. Initially driven by the thrill of theft and the prospect of temporary wealth, he is confronted by the memory of Anil’s kindness, trust, and the offered opportunity for education. Standing on the deserted platform, he realizes that mere money is fleeting, whereas the ability to read and write could lead to a respected and meaningful life. The thought of Anil's "sadness... for the loss of trust" deeply affects him. This realization sparks a change, and he decides to return the money, not out of fear of being caught, but out of a desire to learn and earn Anil’s respect. This signifies a crucial character development, moving from a purely self-serving thief to an individual aspiring for self-improvement and moral integrity.

Extract-Based Question:

"I was startled and quickly crawled out of the room. When I was on the road, I began to run. I had the notes at my waist, held there by the string of my pyjamas. I slowed down to a walk and counted the notes: 600 rupees in fifties! I could live like an oil-rich Arab for a week or two."

What event has just occurred before this extract? Just before this extract, the narrator, Hari Singh, has stolen money from under the mattress where Anil had kept it. He crept up to the sleeping Anil, took the money, and then quickly left the room.
What is Hari Singh's immediate feeling and action after leaving the room? His immediate feeling is being startled and then a sense of urgency to escape, prompting him to "begin to run" once he is on the road. He secures the money and then slows down to count it, feeling a sense of temporary financial freedom.
What does Hari Singh compare his temporary financial status to, and what does this reveal about his aspirations at that moment? Hari Singh compares his situation to living "like an oil-rich Arab for a week or two." This reveals his aspiration for a life of luxury and excessive wealth, even if only for a short period. It highlights his immediate gratification and the fleeting nature of his goals at that point in the story.

Remember
The story's title, "The Thief's Story," is ironic because the story focuses more on the thief's potential for redemption and moral growth rather than solely on his criminal acts.

Exam-smart
Expect extract-based questions that test your understanding of Hari Singh's emotions, motivations, and the immediate aftermath of his actions, often focusing on his internal conflict.

The Thief's Story — Notes

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