The Thief's Story Class 10 Summary: In Chapter 2 of Footprints Without Feet, titled “The Thief’s Story,” the narrative revolves around Hari Singh, a young thief. He recounts how he cleverly tricked a kind man, Anil, who welcomed him into his home. Despite his criminal tendencies, Hari Singh is deeply influenced by Anil’s honesty, kindness, and generosity.
As the story progresses, Hari plans to steal Anil’s money, but his growing guilt and conscience prevent him from doing so. He experiences a moral transformation and realizes he no longer wishes to betray someone who showed him trust.
This chapter emphasizes themes of guilt, redemption, integrity, and personal transformation, making it an important read in the Class 10 syllabus. Students can refer to this summary of The Thief’s Story Class 10 for a clear understanding of the plot, characters, and moral lessons.
Summary of The Thief's Story Class 10
Below, we have provided the thief's story summary for class 10.
"The Thief’s Story" by Ruskin Bond is about a fifteen-year-old boy named Hari Singh, who would befriend people only to rob them. One day, he met Anil, a 25-year-old man, during a wrestling match. Anil was a struggling writer who lived a simple life and earned small amounts of money through his writing. Hari flattered Anil to gain his trust and asked for work.
Anil offered Hari a job and promised to teach him how to read, write, add numbers, and cook. Sometimes, Anil would give him a small tip for his work. One day, Anil received a bundle of money from his articles and hid it under his mattress. Hari noticed this, and while Anil was asleep, he stole the money and went to the railway station to catch a train to Lucknow. However, he missed the train and wandered in the rain, getting completely soaked.
As he walked, Hari felt guilty for stealing from Anil, who had been kind to him and taught him valuable skills. Regretting his actions, Hari decided to return the money. He placed the damp money back under the mattress where he had taken it from. The next morning, Anil gave Hari fifty rupees and said it was his earnings, offering to pay him regularly for his work. When Hari touched the money, he realized it was still wet. He understood that Anil knew about the theft but had not shown anger or turned him in to the police. Instead, Anil promised to teach him how to write full sentences. This experience changed Hari Singh, and he decided to change his ways and become a better person, just like Anil.
About The Author
Ruskin Bond (b. 1934, Kasauli) is a beloved Anglo-Indian writer famed for simple, evocative stories of Himalayan life and human bonds. Debut novel The Room on the Roof (1956) won the Sahitya Akademi Prize for young authors; later honored with Padma Shri (1999) and Padma Bhushan (2014).
"The Thief's Story" (CBSE Class 10) explores redemption through kindness, mirroring his themes of nature, childhood, and quiet wisdom. Resident of Landour since 1964, Bond has authored 500+ books, inspiring generations with accessible, value-driven prose.
Character Sketches
Hari Singh, a 15-year-old thief, befriends struggling writer Anil at a wrestling match and poses as a cook to rob him. After gaining trust and basic literacy lessons, Hari steals ₹600 but flees in guilt during rain, realizing education's value over theft. He returns the money unnoticed; Anil knows but forgives silently, continuing to teach him
Hari Singh
Cunning yet remorseful 15-year-old thief skilled in deception, changes names to evade police. Curious about education, values Anil's kindness, sparking moral awakening—he steals but returns money, choosing growth over crime.
Anil
Carefree 25-year-old writer living simply in Delhi, earns sporadically from stories. Kind-hearted mentor who trusts easily, teaches Hari willingly; detects theft but offers silent forgiveness, embodying transformative compassion
Conclusion of The Thief’s Story Chapter 2 English
In conclusion, The Thief's Story is a heartwarming tale of redemption and personal growth. Hari Singh, a young thief, initially betrays the kindness of Anil, a generous and honest man, by stealing his money. However, after feeling guilty and realizing the depth of Anil's kindness, Hari has a change of heart. His decision to return the stolen money and his realization that Anil knew about his misdeed but chose forgiveness instead of punishment speaks volumes about the transformative power of compassion. The story teaches that even those with a troubled past can change with the right guidance and that kindness can inspire people to reform and lead better lives. Ultimately, it highlights the importance of integrity, forgiveness, and the potential for personal growth.
Summary of the Thief's Story Class 10 PDF
For a comprehensive summary of Chapter 2, "The Thief's Story," from the Class 10 English supplementary reader Footprints Without Feet, you can refer to the PDF. This resource provides detailed insights into the narrative, themes, and character analysis, aiding students in understanding the chapter thoroughly. Access the PDF here:
Summary of the Thief's Story Class 10 PDF