NCERT MCQ Solutions for Class 10 English Supplementary Chapter 2 The Thief’s Story

The narrator introduces himself as Hari Singh, although he admits he changes his name every month to avoid being caught by the police or his former employers. This is one of the first clues that he is a professional thief.

The chapter mentions that Anil earns money by writing for magazines and selling books to publishers. His irregular income, dependence on cheques and celebration after selling a book confirm that he is a struggling writer.

After agreeing to let Hari Singh work for him, Anil takes him to his living quarters above the Jumna Sweet Shop, establishing the setting for their interactions and the events that follow.

Hari Singh, an experienced thief, targets Anil because he appears simple and trusting. He wants to win Anil’s trust to eventually rob him, but events take a different turn as the story progresses.

Hari Singh lies to Anil, claiming he can cook. However, the meal he prepares is so bad that Anil gives it to a stray dog, showing that Hari Singh was not truthful about his cooking skills.

Despite the awful meal, Anil does not get angry. He laughs, pats Hari Singh on the head and offers to teach him how to cook. This kindness influences Hari Singh’s attitude toward Anil.

Hari Singh takes advantage of being sent to buy supplies by keeping a rupee or so each day. He suspects Anil knows about this but does not seem to mind, displaying Anil’s tolerant and trusting nature.

After taking Anil’s money, Hari Singh considers catching the 10:30 Express to Lucknow, thinking he can live luxuriously for a week or two with the stolen cash.

Hari Singh finds a bundle of six hundred rupees in fifties under Anil’s mattress, which he contemplates stealing to start a new life or enjoy a few weeks of comfort.

Hari Singh finds it hard to rob someone so trusting and careless because such a person may not even notice the loss, taking away the thrill and satisfaction of the theft for the thief.

Although he has the money and the train is still slow enough to board, Hari Singh finds himself unable to take the final step and misses his chance, possibly due to inner conflict or guilt.

Hari Singh understands that learning to write sentences, as Anil promised, could bring him greater opportunities in life than simply stealing, motivating him to return and replace the stolen money.

Anil is aware that Hari Singh had returned the stolen money because the notes are wet, but he does not confront him. Instead, he simply offers to pay him regularly and begins teaching him to write sentences.

Anil’s calm and forgiving response to the theft, without anger or punishment, demonstrates his maturity, compassion and desire to help Hari Singh reform rather than penalize him for his mistake.

Hari Singh reflects that in his life as a thief, he never had friends because he believed they were more trouble than help. This belief shapes his solitary nature and decisions throughout the story.

Anil not only teaches Hari Singh how to cook but also begins teaching him to read, write his name and promises to help him write full sentences and add numbers, giving Hari Singh hope for a better future.

After secretly returning the stolen money, Hari Singh feels nervous at first, but when Anil responds with kindness and continues to teach him, Hari Singh experiences relief and hope for personal growth and change.

Through his time with Anil, Hari Singh learns that being able to read and write can open new opportunities, provide respect and offer a chance for a better life, unlike the fleeting gains from theft.

Anil’s complete trust in Hari Singh makes it difficult for the latter to rob him, as the lack of suspicion and punishment creates guilt and makes the act of theft emotionally challenging for the thief.

The morning after Hari Singh returns the stolen money, Anil tells him they will begin learning to write full sentences, signifying both forgiveness and the beginning of a new path for Hari Singh.