NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet Chapter 2 The Thief’s Story

Author at PW

April 10, 2025

Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet Chapter 2 The Thief’s Story:- Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet Chapter 2, "The Thief's Story," introduces us to a young thief who shares the story of his life. Written by Ruskin Bond, this engaging narrative provides insight into the world of a clever and skilled character. As we follow the thief’s journey, we explore themes of trickery, survival, and the complexities of human behaviour. The plot is filled with surprising twists, offering a deeper understanding of the character's actions and decisions.

For detailed explanations and solutions, check out the Footprints Without Feet question answer section. Whether you're searching for Footprints Without Feet Class 10 solutions or specific answers to The Thief Story question answer, this article provides all the necessary insights to help you understand and analyze the story effectively.

If you're looking for NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet Chapter 2, "The Thief’s Story," these have detailed solutions to help you. You can find the complete answers for The Thief’s Story question answer below. These solutions follow the CBSE guidelines, with explanations to make things clear.Before you start with the Footprints Without Feet Class 10 solutions, it’s a good idea to first read through the chapter. This will help you understand the story and its characters better. These NCERT Solutions breaks down each question step-by-step, making it easier for you to understand and apply the concepts.

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NCERT Solutions For Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet Chapter 2

Question 1: Who does ‘I’ refer to in this story?

Answer: In the story, ‘I’ refers to the narrator of the story Hari Singh.

Question 2: What is he “a fairly successful hand” at?

Answer: He considers himself “a fairly successful hand” at stealing and robbing people. This means he is an experienced thief, skilled at his craft and quick on his feet, managing to rob people without getting caught.

Q3. What does he get from Anil in return for his work?

Answer: In return for his work, Anil offers the thief not just basic necessities but a sense of security and personal growth. He provides him with regular meals, a comfortable place to stay, and a supportive environment. Additionally, Anil teaches the thief to read and write, which is a significant step towards self-improvement and empowerment. This kindness and trust are meant to help the thief gain new skills and perhaps lead a better life, contrasting sharply with his previous experiences of crime and deception.

Read and Find Out (Page 10)

Question 1: How does the thief think Anil will react to the theft?

Answer: The thief anticipates that Anil will react angrily to the theft. He expects Anil to be upset and to confront him aggressively, as he assumes that a wealthy person would naturally be furious about losing money. The thief’s assumption is based on his own experiences and the common expectation that people respond harshly to betrayal and theft.

Question 2: What does he say about the different reactions of people when they are robbed?

Answer: The thief observes that people react differently when they are robbed. He notes that some people are angry and confrontational, while others react with sadness or resignation. He implies that people's responses to theft can vary greatly depending on their personality and circumstances. This observation reflects his understanding of human nature and how different individuals cope with the loss and betrayal of being robbed.

Question 3: Does Anil realise that he has been robbed?

Answer: Yes, Anil does realise that he has been robbed. He discovers the theft when he notices that the money is missing. Despite his awareness of the theft, Anil reacts with surprising calm and understanding, showing compassion towards the thief rather than reacting with anger or harshness.

Check out: CBSE Class 10th Question Banks

Think about it (Page 13)

Question 1: What are Hari Singh’s reactions to the prospect of receiving an education? Do they change over time? (Hint: Compare, for example, the thought: “I knew that once I could write like an educated man there would be no limit to what I could achieve” with these later thoughts: “Whole sentences, I knew, could one day bring me more than a few hundred rupees. It was a simple matter to steal — and sometimes just as simple to be caught. But to be a really big man, a clever and respected man, was something else.”) What makes him return to Anil?

Answer: Hari Singh’s initial reaction to the prospect of receiving an education is one of excitement and hope. He realises that learning to read and write could greatly improve his future, making it possible for him to achieve more than just petty theft. He imagines that education could lead to a successful and respected life.

Over time, however, his enthusiasm fades as he sees the ease of stealing and the frequent risk of getting caught. He starts to think that while theft is simple, becoming a truly respected and influential person through education is much more valuable.

Hari Singh decides to return to Anil because he is moved by Anil’s kindness and trust. Despite his earlier plan to steal, he feels guilty and wants a better, honest life. Anil’s compassionate response helps him choose a new path and commit to self-improvement.

Question 2: Why does not Anil hand the thief over to the police? Do you think most people would have done so? In what ways is Anil different from such employers?

Answer: Anil does not hand the thief over to the police because he chooses to respond with understanding and compassion rather than anger and punishment. He seems to believe in the potential for personal change and redemption, rather than simply seeking retribution. Anil’s reaction shows his belief in the possibility of rehabilitation and his willingness to give the thief another chance to make things right.

Most people might have reacted differently, choosing to report the theft to the police to seek justice and recover the stolen money. It is common for people to respond to theft with anger and a desire for legal consequences.

Anil is different from such employers because he values the thief's potential for change and offers forgiveness rather than punishment. His approach is more humane, focusing on understanding and personal growth rather than immediate retribution. This reflects a more empathetic and supportive attitude towards others.

Check out: CBSE Class 10th Revision Books

Talk about it (Page 13)

Question 1: Do you think people like Anil and Hari Singh are found only in fiction, or are there such people in real life?

Answer: People like Anil and Hari Singh are not just found in fiction; they exist in real life as well. Anil represents individuals who show genuine compassion and give others a chance to redeem themselves, demonstrating trust and kindness rather than seeking revenge or punishment. Such people are often found in roles where they support and mentor others, believing in their potential for growth and change.

Hari Singh’s character, who seeks redemption and a fresh start, also mirrors real-life situations. People do sometimes change their lives for the better when given the right support and encouragement. While their stories might not always be as dramatic as those in fiction, many people experience personal transformation and strive to improve their lives when they receive understanding and guidance from others.

Question 2: Do you think it a significant detail in the story that Anil is a struggling writer? Does this explain his behaviour in any way?

Answer: Yes, Anil being a struggling writer is a significant detail in the story. This aspect of his character may help explain his behaviour and outlook. As a writer who is facing challenges, Anil might have a deeper understanding of struggle and failure, which could make him more empathetic towards others who are trying to improve their lives.

His own experiences with difficulty and perseverance might lead him to be more forgiving and supportive. Anil’s understanding of the value of second chances and personal growth is reflected in his response to the theft. Rather than reacting with anger, he shows compassion, likely influenced by his own journey of striving and facing setbacks.

Question 3: Have you met anyone like Hari Singh? Can you think and imagine the circumstances that can turn a fifteen-year-old boy into a thief?

Answer: While I haven't met anyone exactly like Hari Singh, it's possible to imagine circumstances that could lead a fifteen-year-old boy to become a thief. Various factors can contribute to such a situation:

Poverty: Growing up in extreme poverty can drive a young person to steal as a means of survival or to support their family. Lack of basic necessities like food and shelter can push someone towards crime.
Lack of Education: Limited access to education and opportunities can make theft seem like one of the few viable options for earning money, especially if the person doesn’t see other pathways to success.
Family Issues: A troubled family background, such as neglect or abuse, can lead a young person to seek out different means to escape their circumstances or gain a sense of control.

Check out: CBSE Class 10th Previous Year Papers

The Thief Story Summary

In The Thief’s Story by Ruskin Bond, we follow a young thief who tells his own story. The thief meets a man named Anil, who is wealthy and offers him a job. The thief, planning to steal from Anil, takes the job and starts working for him as a servant.

Anil is kind and treats the thief well, even teaching him to read and write. As the thief spends more time with Anil, he begins to feel remorse for his plans. Despite this, he initially goes ahead with his plan to steal Anil's money.

However, when Anil discovers the theft, he reacts with surprising understanding rather than anger. This unexpected kindness makes the thief reconsider his actions. He decides to return the stolen money and abandon his life of crime. The story highlights themes of trust, redemption, and the power of compassion.

Check out: CBSE Class 10th Sample Papers