CBSE

CBSE Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet – The Thief’s Story Summary

✍️ Written By Arushi Kaul
🗓️ Publish on May 13, 2024

Chapter 2 of the Class 10 English Supplementary Reader ‘Footprints Without Feet’ consists of a prose titled – The Thief’s Story. This story revolves around a young thief, Hari, who establishes a relationship with Anil. The story reveals how the latter trusted him and gave the young boy a job, completely transforming his life.
Here’s a simple summary of the prose– The Thief’s Story.

Summary of The Thief’s Story

“The Thief’s Story,” written by Ruskin Bond, tells the tale of Hari Singh, a fifteen-year-old boy who makes friends with people to rob them. One day, he meets Anil, a laid-back twenty-five-year-old struggling writer, at a wrestling match. Hari flatters Anil to befriend him and asks for work.

Anil asked Hari if he could cook, and Hari replied yes. Then, Anil took him to his room and said he would teach Hari to read, write, do math, and cook yummy food. Sometimes, Anil would give Hari a rupee as a reward for his work. One day, Anil got a bundle of money for his articles. He put the money under his mattress, and Hari saw it. At midnight, when Anil was sleeping, Hari quietly stole the money. Then, he rushed to the train station to catch a train to Lucknow. Unfortunately, he missed the train and had to walk in the heavy rain. He got completely soaked.

Soon, Hari grew restless and felt remorseful for stealing from Anil, who had treated him kindly. He felt guilty for deceiving Anil, who had taught him basic literacy and numeracy skills. Suddenly, Hari experienced a change of heart and resolved to return to Anil. Despite the money becoming damp from the rain, Hari placed it back where he had found it. The next day, Anil appeared unaffected by the previous night’s events. He offered Hari fifty rupees, acknowledging his efforts. Anil assured Hari of regular payment. However, upon touching the money, Hari realized it was still damp. He understood that Anil was aware of his actions but chose not to react harshly or involve the authorities. Instead, Anil promised to continue teaching Hari, now focusing on writing complete sentences. This incident left Hari feeling grateful and respectful towards Anil. He decided to reform and follow Anil’s noble example.
Through Hari’s interactions with Anil, the chapter explores the themes of trust, forgiveness, and the inherent goodness within individuals. Anil’s compassionate response to Hari’s wrongdoing highlights the power of empathy and understanding in fostering personal growth and transformation.

Overall, “The Thief’s Story” is a poignant tale that resonates with readers of all ages, offering valuable insights into the complexities of human nature and the universal quest for redemption. Bond’s masterful storytelling and rich character development make this chapter a standout in his body of work, leaving a lasting impression on readers long after they have turned the final page.

Conclusion of The Thief’s Story

In “The Thief’s Story,” we discover the significance of kindness and how it can transform both individuals and their relationships. This tale emphasizes that our actions and values have a profound impact on those around us, shaping the course of our lives. Through Hari Singh’s journey, we witness the power of redemption and forgiveness, highlighting the potential for growth and change even in the face of past mistakes. Ultimately, the story serves as a gentle reminder that empathy, honesty, and compassion are essential ingredients for fostering meaningful connections and personal development.
Ultimately, “The Thief’s Story” serves as a powerful testament to the enduring power of compassion and the capacity for change within each of us.

We trust that this summary of the CBSE Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet Prose, “The Thief’s Story,” has provided you with a quick grasp of the chapter. Stay connected with GK Publications for the latest updates on CBSE and study materials. Explore sample papers and question papers from various years to enhance your preparation for the Board exams.