The Thief’s Story Class 10 Question and Answer has been prepared for the CBSE Board Exam 2024, with all questions selected according to NCERT and answers provided for class 10.
Summary of The Thief’s Story Class 10
In “The Thief’s Story” by Ruskin Bond, a young thief narrates his life of crime. He meets Anil, a kind and trusting man, inviting him into his home. Anil’s warmth sparks conflicting emotions in the thief, torn between his criminal life and Anil’s generosity. Despite Anil’s goodness, the thief steals from him, grappling with guilt and gratitude. Later, the thief attempts to escape but hesitates at a crucial moment. Anil, aware of the theft, displays unexpected understanding and forgiveness, leaving the thief astonished. This encounter challenges the thief’s perception of trust, kindness, and the complexities of human nature.
Translation
रस्किन बॉन्ड की “द थीफ्स स्टोरी” में, एक युवा चोर अपने अपराध जीवन का वर्णन करता है। उसकी मुलाकात अनिल से होती है, जो एक दयालु और भरोसेमंद व्यक्ति है और उसे अपने घर में आमंत्रित करता है। अनिल की गर्मजोशी चोर के मन में परस्पर विरोधी भावनाएँ जगाती है, जो अपने आपराधिक जीवन और अनिल की उदारता के बीच फँसा हुआ है। अनिल की अच्छाइयों के बावजूद, चोर अपराधबोध और कृतज्ञता से जूझते हुए, उससे चोरी करता है। बाद में, चोर भागने का प्रयास करता है लेकिन एक महत्वपूर्ण क्षण में झिझकता है। चोरी के बारे में जानने के बाद, अनिल अप्रत्याशित समझ और क्षमा प्रदर्शित करता है, जिससे चोर आश्चर्यचकित रह जाता है। यह मुठभेड़ चोर की विश्वास, दयालुता और मानव स्वभाव की जटिलताओं की धारणा को चुनौती देती है।
Q3 The Thief’s Story Class 10 Question and Answer MCQ Extract Based 1
Read the following extract carefully and choose the correct option.
(A)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. I hadn’t had much luck of late and thought I might be able to get into the young man’s confidence. ‘You look a bit of a wrestler yourself,” I said. A little flattery helps in making friends.
i According to the extract, the young boy was watching the wrestling match because he
a) had been invited there by the wrestlers.
b) was supposed to meet someone there.
c) was looking for simple people to dupe.
d) loved wrestling and followed it very closely.
Ans: c) was looking for simple people to dupe.
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ii ‘I hadn’t had much luck of late’ means that the boy hadn’t
a) ever conned people successfully.
b) been successful in duping people lately.
c) understood the consequences of thievery till date.
d) considered the role of fate in deceiving others.
Ans: b) been successful in duping people lately.
iii ‘I might be able to get into the young man’s confidence.’ Choose the option that DOES NOT display what the statement means.
a) He wanted to win his trust.
b) He wanted him to share his thoughts without caution.
c) He wanted him to feel comfortable revealing more details about himself.
d) He wanted to be able to spend quality time with him.
Ans: d) He wanted to be able to spend quality time with him.
iv Anil looked easy-going, kind and simple to the narrator. Which of the given characteristics would NOT fit in with this description?
a) compassionate
b) suave
c) uncomplicated
d) carefree
Ans: b) suave
v Based on the line, “A little flattery helps in making friends.”, choose the option that displays the quote closest in meaning.
a) Imitation is the best form of flattery; people generally understand that my comedy is not intended to hurt anybody
b) I know imitation is the highest form of flattery, but stealing one’s identity is totally different.
c) Nothing is so great an example of bad manners as flattery. If you flatter all the company, you please none; If you flatter only one or two, you offend the rest.
d) One may define flattery as a base companionship which is most advantageous to the flatterer.
Ans: d) One may define flattery as a base companionship which is most advantageous to the flatterer.
Q3 The Thief’s Story Class 10 Question and Answer MCQ Extract Based 2
Read the following extract carefully and choose the correct option.
(B) I think he knew I made a little money this way but he did not seem to mind. Anil made money by fits and starts. He would borrow one week, lend the next. He kept worrying about his next cheque, but as soon as it arrived, he would go out and celebrate. It seems he wrote for magazines—a queer way to make a living!
I Anil made money ‘by fits and starts’ means that he
a) deemed it fit to start investing money.
b) started earning money in the recent past.
c) received money intermittently.
d) put his money to use frequently.
Ans: c) received money intermittently.
ii The information in the extract suggests that Anil could be a
a) salaried professional
b) freelancer
c) business man
d) volunteer
Ans: b) freelancer
iii If borrow: :lend, then pick the ODD pair from the options below
a) give : : take
b) lose : : find
c) hop : : skip
d) buy : : sell
Ans: c) hop : : skip
iv The reference to making a little money ‘this way’ refers to a way that is viewed by most people as
a) sensible.
b) inappropriate.
c) charitable.
d) Aggressive
Ans: c) charitable.
v Based on your understanding of Anil in the extract, choose the option that synchronises with his thinking.
a) So what if I don’t have much money? Giving it to that person is important as they could do with a helping hand.
b) I better learn how to protect my money. I think I’m being looted.
c) I earn money with such tremendous effort. Where does it all go?
d) When I become rich, I can begin to help friends then. Right now, I will spend only on myself.
Ans: a) So what if I don’t have much money? Giving it to that person is important as they could do with a helping hand.
Q10 The Thief’s Story Class 10 Question and Answer in 20-30 words
i The narrator followed Anil ‘casually’. Why?
Ans: In “The Thief’s Story” by Ruskin Bond, the narrator followed Anil casually to observe him without arousing suspicion or drawing attention to himself during his investigation.
ii What was the thought behind using appealing smiles frequently on Anil?
Ans: Anil used appealing smiles frequently to disarm suspicion, gain trust, and create a friendly façade, making it easier to blend in and carry out his deceptive activities unnoticed.
iii How do you think the narrator made a profit of about a rupee a day?
Ans: The narrator made a profit of about a rupee a day by stealing small items and selling them, carefully managing his thievery to avoid suspicion and detection.
iv Why do you think the young thief had quite a few scars on his face?
Ans: The young thief likely had scars on his face due to encounters with authorities or conflicts while pursuing his life of crime, reflecting the risks and challenges he faced.
Q11 The Thief’s Story Class 10 Question and Answer in 40-50 words
i It’s not easy to be mean to people who are very nice to you. Do you think that the young thief had to work on giving himself valid reasons to be able to commit the theft? Or did the thieving come as naturally to him this time, too? Write a brief analysis of his mood before the theft.
Ans: The young thief grappled with conflicting emotions before the theft. Despite the kindness shown by Anil, he struggled to justify his actions. While he may have tried to rationalize his thefts, the internal conflict suggests it wasn’t easy. His mood likely reflected a mix of guilt, desperation, and the necessity of his actions.
ii Why do you think the narrator used to feel that ‘friends were more trouble than help’? What could have led him to believe this?
Ans: The narrator’s belief that “friends were more trouble than help” likely stemmed from past experiences. His life as a thief might have made him cautious, seeing betrayal or abandonment from those he considered friends. Perhaps previous alliances led to complications, causing him to develop this cynical viewpoint.
iii At the end of the story, we realise that Anil knew about the incident of the previous night, yet he chose to overlook such a breach of trust. Explain.
Ans: Anil’s choice to overlook the narrator’s breach of trust stems from his understanding and compassion. Despite being aware of the theft, Anil demonstrates empathy and possibly recognizes the narrator’s dire circumstances, choosing forgiveness over punishment, showcasing his capacity for kindness and understanding.
Q12 The Thief’s Story Class 10 Question and Answer in 100-120 words
i Based on the given context, write a diary entry, as the narrator, on what you experienced and the possible reason for it.
I should have been able to jump into one of the carriages, but I hesitated — for some reason I can’t explain — and I lost the chance to get away.
Ans: Diary Entry:
Date: [Today’s Date]
Today was another day filled with close calls and missed opportunities. I found myself in a situation where escape seemed plausible, yet a peculiar hesitation gripped me, halting my instinct to flee. As the train carriages stood there, beckoning with an open invitation, I hesitated inexplicably. It’s baffling to me why I couldn’t bring myself to take that leap.
Perhaps it was a fleeting sense of uncertainty, a momentary lapse driven by an inner conflict between survival and conscience. Fear of the unknown consequences, the weight of guilt, or maybe a glimmer of morality held me back. In that moment, my mind and body seemed disconnected, leaving me frozen in indecision.
I must delve deeper into this internal struggle that impedes my escape. Understanding this hesitation might just be the key to unlocking my freedom.
ii Education means different things to different people. Evaluate how it impacted the young thief in the story.
Ans: For the young thief in Ruskin Bond’s story, education took on an unconventional form. Unlike traditional schooling, his education was rooted in the streets, learning survival skills, cunning, and adaptability. His lack of formal education was compensated by a different kind of learning—street smarts.
His life experiences, albeit in a life of crime, shaped his understanding of the world. Education, in his case, was instrumental in honing his abilities to navigate through challenges, evade authorities, and survive in a harsh environment. However, this form of education also limited his perspective, confining him to a world where theft seemed like the only viable option.
Ultimately, while education broadened his skills for survival, it confined him within a limited moral framework, hindering the exploration of alternative paths and trapping him in a cycle of criminality.
Extra The Thief’s Story Class 10 Question and Answer in Brief
What is the main point of the thief’s story?
Ans: The main point of the thief’s story lies in the conflict between morality and survival. It explores the complexities of human behavior, trust, and the unexpected manifestations of kindness and forgiveness in the face of deception and betrayal.
What is the moral of thief’s story?
Ans: The moral of the thief’s story centers on the capacity for understanding and forgiveness. It highlights how unexpected compassion and empathy can challenge preconceptions, fostering a deeper understanding of human nature’s complexities and the power of forgiveness.
What is the theme of the story The thief’s story ___?
Ans: The theme of “The Thief’s Story” revolves around moral conflict and human complexity. It explores themes of trust, deception, compassion, and forgiveness, revealing the intricate layers of human behavior and the unexpected manifestations of kindness amidst dishonesty.
Was Anil a struggling writer?
Ans: Yes, Anil was depicted as a struggling writer in the story. He lived a modest life, and his attempts at writing didn’t yield much success, showcasing his struggles in the literary field.
Had Anil really forgiven Hari?
Ans: In the story “The Thief’s Story” by Ruskin Bond, Anil’s forgiveness toward Hari appears genuine. Despite being aware of Hari’s theft, Anil chooses understanding and compassion over retribution, displaying a true act of forgiveness toward the young thief.
What skills did Anil not teach Hari?
Ans: In Ruskin Bond’s “The Thief’s Story,” Anil, though kind and generous, didn’t explicitly teach Hari the skills of thievery or deceit. Anil’s influence on Hari was more about displaying kindness, trust, and the essence of forgiveness rather than instructing him in criminal activities.
What did Hari Singh forget?
Ans: In the story “The Thief’s Story” by Ruskin Bond, Hari Singh, the young thief, forgets to take advantage of a chance to escape when he hesitates while attempting to board a train carriage, missing an opportunity to flee and continue his life of thievery.
What did Anil bring one day?
Ans: One day, Anil brought a book for Hari Singh, displaying his kindness and trust despite knowing Hari’s past actions. Anil’s trusting nature stemmed from his inherent belief in the goodness of people and his compassionate demeanor.
Why was Anil a trusting person?
Ans: Anil’s trusting nature stemmed from his inherent belief in the goodness of people. He displayed a genuine and compassionate demeanor, choosing to see the best in others despite knowing about Hari’s past as a thief.
How do you know that Anil was careless?
Ans: In “The Thief’s Story” by Ruskin Bond, Anil’s carelessness is evident through his trusting nature and his tendency to leave valuables unguarded around Hari, despite knowing about Hari’s past as a thief. Anil’s trust and lack of suspicion toward Hari reflect a certain degree of carelessness in safeguarding his belongings.
Why was he grateful to Anil?
Ans: Hari felt grateful to Anil for his unexpected kindness and forgiveness despite Hari’s betrayal. Anil’s trust, understanding, and forgiveness toward Hari touched him deeply, leaving Hari appreciative and moved by Anil’s compassionate nature.
Why did Hari Singh smile at Anil?
Ans: Hari Singh smiled at Anil as a gesture of appreciation and gratitude for Anil’s kindness, trust, and forgiveness despite Hari’s actions of betrayal. It was a display of acknowledgment and thankfulness towards Anil’s compassionate nature.
What did Anil promise him to teach?
Ans: In the story “The Thief’s Story” by Ruskin Bond, Anil promised to teach Hari Singh how to read and write. This gesture reflected Anil’s genuine attempt to offer Hari a chance for education and a better future beyond a life of crime.
What was the occupation of Anil?
Ans: Anil was a struggling writer in the story “The Thief’s Story” by Ruskin Bond.
How did Anil treat Hari?
Ans: Anil treated Hari with kindness, trust, and generosity despite knowing about Hari’s past as a thief. He welcomed Hari into his home, offered him shelter, and showed a willingness to teach him how to read and write, displaying compassion and understanding towards the young thief.
What makes him return to Anil?
Ans: Hari returns to Anil because of a mix of guilt, gratitude, and an unexpected sense of connection and respect towards Anil’s kindness. Despite his past betrayal, Hari is drawn back by a sense of appreciation and a desire for redemption, intrigued by Anil’s forgiving nature.
Do you think people like Anil?
Ans: In the story “The Thief’s Story” by Ruskin Bond, Anil is depicted as a kind, forgiving, and trusting person. Generally, characters like Anil are often admired and liked for their compassionate nature and willingness to see the good in others, despite their flaws or past mistakes.
What did Hari Singh want from Anil?
Ans: Hari Singh wanted shelter, acceptance, and a chance for a new beginning from Anil. Additionally, he sought to learn from Anil, who represented kindness and forgiveness, hoping for guidance and possibly redemption from his life of thievery.
Does Anil realize that he has forgiven Hari despite knowing about his theft?
Ans: Yes, Anil seems aware that he has forgiven Hari despite being aware of the theft. His compassionate nature and understanding towards Hari’s circumstances reflect his conscious choice of forgiveness over retribution or condemnation.
Why did Hari Singh smile at Anil?
Ans: Hari Singh smiled at Anil as a gesture of gratitude and appreciation for Anil’s kindness, trust, and forgiveness despite Hari’s past actions of betrayal. It was a way for Hari to acknowledge and express his thanks for Anil’s compassionate nature.
