Footprints Without Feet · Chapter 2
NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English: The Thief's Story
by Ruskin Bond
NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet chapter "The Thief's Story" is one of the most quietly powerful chapters in the Footprints Without Feet reader, told in the first person by a young thief named Hari Singh. Ruskin Bond builds the story around a simple but striking idea: trust can change a person faster than punishment ever could. Hari befriends Anil, a kind and somewhat careless young man who teaches him to write, and plans all along to steal from him. But as the friendship deepens, Hari finds himself torn between old habits and a new, unfamiliar respect for someone who has never doubted him. This page gives Myclass24 students the complete chapter breakdown, a free downloadable PDF, structured tables for quick revision, and direct answers to commonly searched exam questions on this story.
Download the Free PDF of NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet Chapter 2, The Thief's Story
Get the complete NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet Chapter 2, The Thief's Story, as a printable PDF for offline revision.
Chapter Focus: The Real Conflict in The Thief's Story
The plot is simple on paper — a thief plans to steal, then changes his mind — but the emotional journey inside that plot is what makes the chapter memorable. Hari Singh is not presented as evil; he is presented as practical, shaped by a life where survival came before scruples. What shifts him is not fear of being caught but the discomfort of betraying someone who has shown him plain, unguarded kindness. The turning point — learning to write his own name for the first time — is symbolically important: it represents Hari gaining an identity and a sense of self-worth that theft can never give him. Also read NCERT Solutions for Class 10 and NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English.
For exams, the most valuable angle is tracing Hari's inner conflict step by step: suspicion and opportunity, growing affection, the decisive night, and the quiet act of returning the money without ever confessing. Examiners often ask students to justify Hari's final decision, so be ready to explain his change using evidence from the text rather than general statements about honesty.
Quick Character Guide
| Character | Role in the Story | Key Trait |
|---|---|---|
| Hari Singh | Narrator; a fifteen-year-old thief who befriends Anil | Street-smart, conflicted, ultimately honest |
| Anil | A freelance writer and wrestler who hires Hari | Trusting, generous, somewhat careless with money |
Themes and Quick Facts at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | First-person reflective narrative |
| Setting | A small rented room in an Indian town; the streets at night |
| Central Theme | Trust as a force for moral change; the value of honesty over easy gain |
| Narrative Style | Told entirely from the thief's point of view, building sympathy for him |
| Turning Point | Hari learns to write his name — symbol of dignity and self-respect |
| Common Exam Tags | character sketch, moral transformation, theme of trust, extract-based Q&A |
Questions
Who is the author of The Thief's Story?
The chapter is written by Ruskin Bond, a celebrated Indian author known for warm, observant stories often set in the hills and small towns of North India.
What is the moral of The Thief's Story?
The story teaches that genuine trust and human connection can be more powerful than the temptation of quick, dishonest gain.
Why does Hari Singh return the money to Anil?
Hari is moved by Anil's unconditional trust in him and by the pride of learning to write his own name, which together push him to choose honesty over theft.
Is The Thief's Story important for the Class 10 CBSE exam?
Yes. It frequently appears in character-based and value-based questions, particularly around Hari's inner conflict and the theme of trust.
NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet Chapter 2: The Thief's Story – FAQs
Hari Singh returns the stolen money because he experiences genuine trust and kindness from Anil. Unlike other people he had deceived, Anil treats him with respect and offers him an opportunity to learn reading, writing, and a better way of life. After stealing the money, Hari realizes that the education and guidance he is receiving are more valuable than the stolen notes. His decision reflects an internal moral struggle and marks the beginning of his transformation. The chapter shows that trust and compassion can influence a person more effectively than punishment and can inspire positive change.
Anil plays a crucial role in changing Hari Singh's outlook on life. He is kind, trusting, and forgiving, qualities that Hari has rarely encountered. Instead of suspecting or controlling him, Anil gives him responsibility and treats him as an equal. Through literacy and life lessons, Anil opens a path toward self-improvement. Hari gradually understands that education offers opportunities beyond theft and deception. This influence creates a conflict between his old habits and his growing conscience. The chapter demonstrates how a positive mentor can transform a person's thinking and encourage ethical behavior through trust rather than strict discipline.
Trust is the central theme of the chapter and shapes the relationship between Anil and Hari Singh. Despite knowing little about Hari, Anil places confidence in him and allows him freedom. This trust becomes the reason Hari feels guilty after stealing the money. The story suggests that trust can create responsibility and encourage moral growth. Anil's faith in Hari helps awaken his conscience and motivates him to choose honesty over crime. The chapter highlights that genuine trust is a powerful force capable of transforming individuals and building meaningful relationships even in difficult circumstances.
The title is appropriate because the narrative is presented from the perspective of Hari Singh, a young thief. However, the story focuses less on theft and more on his emotional and moral transformation. Readers gain insight into his thoughts, motivations, and changing values. Through his experiences with Anil, Hari learns the importance of trust, honesty, and education. The title attracts attention by emphasizing his identity as a thief, while the actual story reveals his journey toward becoming a better person. It effectively captures both the character and the central message of personal growth.