Written by Ruskin Bond, this story is narrated by a fifteen-year-old thief named Hari Singh, who befriends a simple, kind man called Anil with the intention of robbing him. Anil, a struggling writer, takes Hari in, gives him food and shelter, and even offers to teach him to read and write, asking nothing in return but honesty. Hari cooks, runs errands and slowly grows comfortable in Anil’s home, occasionally cheating him of small sums while learning to add to the household money. One night Hari steals Anil’s earnings and runs to catch a train, but at the station he hesitates. Remembering Anil’s kindness and realising that education and trust are worth more than stolen money, he returns and quietly slips the money back. The next morning Anil, who seems to know what happened, says nothing but gives Hari money and continues to teach him. The story shows the transforming power of kindness, trust and the value of education.
The story in 6 beats
1Hari Singh meets Anil, wins his trust, and starts living with him as a cook and helper.
2Anil gives Hari food, shelter, and hope by promising to teach him how to read and write.
3Hari slowly likes Anil but still steals small amounts while buying daily things for the house.
4One evening Anil brings home money, and Hari steals the notes while Anil sleeps.
5At the station Hari cannot leave because Anil’s trust and the chance to learn pull him back.
6Hari returns the money, and next morning Anil quietly forgives him and continues teaching him.
Crime and reformKindness and trustThe value of educationThe character of AnilConscience and change
Characters & key ideas
HHari SinghA young thief who is reformed by kindness.
AAnilA kind, easy-going writer who trusts and teaches Hari.
TTrustAnil’s faith in Hari that changes him.
EEducationThe gift Hari values more than stolen money.
CConscienceHari’s inner struggle that makes him return the money.
TTransformationHari’s change from a thief to an honest learner.
Word meanings · शब्दार्थ
appealing
attractive or pleasing
flattery
false praise to please someone
grunting
making a low rough sound
modest
small and simple
fits and starts
not regularly; with breaks
queer
strange or unusual
deserted
empty and without people
slipped
moved quietly and quickly
damp
slightly wet
wrestling
struggling hard with thoughts
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Who is the narrator of “The Thief’s Story”?
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