πŸ§₯ Class 10 English Chapter 2 – The Thief’s Story (Summary, Q&A, PDF)

Book: Footprints Without Feet
Chapter: 2 – The Thief’s Story
Author: Ruskin Bond
Board: CBSE Class 10 (2025)

✍️ Introduction

“The Thief’s Story” by Ruskin Bond is a simple yet powerful narrative that teaches us about trust, kindness, and the possibility of change. It revolves around a 15-year-old thief and his experience with a kind-hearted man named Anil. The story highlights how love and compassion can reform even the most misguided people.

πŸ“– Summary of the Chapter

The narrator of the story is a young boy who introduces himself as a thief. He meets a kind and simple man named Anil at a wrestling match and tricks him into hiring him as a cook. Anil knows the boy is lying about his name and age but still allows him to stay.

Despite knowing nothing about cooking, the boy tries his best. Over time, Anil teaches him how to cook, write his name, and add numbers. The thief, though tempted, does not immediately rob Anil. But one day, he sees Anil bringing home a bundle of notes after selling a book and decides to steal it.

He steals the money and runs away to the railway station. But there, a sense of guilt overtakes him. He thinks about Anil’s trust and how learning to read and write could change his life. Finally, he returns the money and places it back under Anil’s pillow.

The next morning, Anil says nothing about the theft but offers the boy a ₹50 note with a smile, saying he’ll teach him to write full sentences. The boy understands Anil has forgiven him and decides never to betray him again.

🌟 Central Theme

The story explores the power of trust, kindness, and transformation. It shows that even a criminal can change if treated with love and given a second chance.

πŸ‘€ Character Sketches

  • Anil: A simple, honest, and kind-hearted man who believes in helping others. He trusts the thief and offers him food, shelter, and education.
  • The Thief (Hari Singh): A 15-year-old boy who initially plans to rob Anil but reforms himself after experiencing his kindness and trust.

πŸ“š Word Meanings

Word Meaning
ModestHumble, not boastful
GruntingLow, harsh sound made while lifting
Unlined faceA face without wrinkles; youthful
TuckingPutting or hiding something safely
Appealing lookA pleading or attractive expression

❓ Important Questions and Answers

  1. Q1. Why did the thief choose Anil as his next target?
    Ans: He chose Anil because he was kind, simple, and seemed an easy person to trick. Also, Anil appeared to have money and a soft nature.
  2. Q2. What did Anil teach the thief?
    Ans: Anil taught him how to cook, write his name, and how to read and add numbers. He also helped him realize the value of education and trust.
  3. Q3. Why didn’t the thief run away with the money?
    Ans: He felt guilty for breaking Anil’s trust and realized the value of being educated and trusted. He wanted to become a better person.
  4. Q4. What is the moral of the story?
    Ans: The story teaches that kindness and trust can bring change in a person’s heart, and everyone deserves a chance to reform.

πŸ“₯ Download PDF Notes

πŸ‘‰ Click here to download PDF of The Thief’s Story Notes


πŸ“Œ Tags: Class 10 English Chapter 2, The Thief’s Story Summary, Ruskin Bond, Footprints Without Feet Notes, CBSE 2025, ToppersNoteHub

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