| Name | The Thief Story |
| Type | Summary |
| Class | 10 |
| Board | CBSE Board |
| Author | Ruskin Bond |
Introduction
It is a compelling story of a young thief who makes a critical decision to return the stolen money and pursue a better life. The story unfolds as the protagonist steals money from the only person he knows, Anil, who has been kind to him, fed him and even taught him to read and write. After spending a night in the rain, the thief realizes the importance of education and decides to return the stolen money to Anil to learn to read and write. The story is a beautiful illustration of the transformative power of education and the redemption that comes with doing the right thing.
Character of The Thief Story
- The protagonist: A young boy who has resorted to theft to survive. He is intelligent and observant, having studied people’s reactions when they lose their belongings. He seems to be aware that stealing is a risky business but is tempted by the easy money it provides. He is also aware of his own limitations and lack of education, which he hopes to address by returning to Anil’s house to learn to read and write. He shows remorse for stealing from Anil and is relieved when he is not caught. He also feels grateful when Anil pays him for his work and offers to teach him.
- Anil: A kind and compassionate man who takes in the protagonist and gives him shelter and work. He is patient with the protagonist’s lack of skills and tries to teach him new things, including reading and writing. He is observant and seems to understand the protagonist’s motivations for stealing, but does not judge him harshly for it. He is also generous, paying the protagonist for his work and offering him a regular job. Despite being robbed by the protagonist, Anil still shows compassion and forgiveness, which ultimately leads to the protagonist’s redemption.
The Thief Story-Short Summary
25-year-old Anil was a writer. He was enjoying a really carefree life. He was working quite hard to produce enough writing to support himself. Anil once observed a wrestling match. His partner is Hari. Hari praised the guy using his tested formula. Anil made him feel good and offered to teach him how to write, add numbers, and prepare exquisite meals. Both were now peacefully sharing a bed.
Hari saw that Anil had brought a stack of notes one day. He observed him keeping them there. The moment Hari laid eyes on the bundle of money, his demonic spirit awoke. That night, he made the decision to rob Anil. Anil ate dinner and fell asleep peacefully. Hari snuck up to the bed and put his hand under the mattress. He took the notes and left the area. To catch a train to Lucknow, he headed for the train depot. He, however, missed it. He walked around the markets. Hari Singh was wet from head to toe in the rain.
His mind was torn in two directions. He did not want to break Anil’s trust. Additionally, Anil was teaching him writing and additional skills that could change his life. So he walked out of the train station. He arrived at the field and took a seat on the bench. At that moment, it was raining heavily. There was a strong and chilly wind. He felt worse about cheating an innocent person. Due to the rain, his pyjamas and shirt became enmeshed to his body.
Hari Singh changed his mind. He made the decision to go back to Anil and hide the cash there. He entered the space and repositioned the cash. He was a little late waking up the following morning, and Anil had already made his tea. Anil claimed to have earned it and gave Hari Singh 50 rupees. He promised him monthly payments going forward. Hari held onto the note tightly. He saw that the note was still moist from last night’s rain. When Hari discovered that Anil was aware of his crime, he showed no signs of regret, anger, or guilt in his mind.
The Thief Story-Theme
The theme of this story is the inner conflict of a young thief who has stolen money from his only friend, and his eventual realization of the value of honesty, trust, and education. The protagonist’s actions and decisions are driven by his desire to escape poverty and his perception that stealing is the easiest way to do so. However, through his interactions with his friend Anil, he begins to understand the importance of morality, human connections, and education as a means of achieving a better life.
About The Author
The author of the ‘The Thief Story‘ is Ruskin Bond. He is an Indian author of British descent, born on May 19, 1934, in Kasauli, British India. He has written numerous novels, short stories, and books for children, and is one of India’s most beloved and widely read authors.
Bond’s writing often reflects his experiences growing up in the foothills of the Himalayas, and he is known for his simple and elegant style that captures the essence of everyday life in India. His stories often explore themes of love, loss, and the human connection to nature.
Bond has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to Indian literature, including the Padma Shri in 1999, the Padma Bhushan in 2014, and the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1992 for his book “Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra.” His works have been translated into many languages and adapted for film and television.
Even at the age of 89, Ruskin Bond continues to write and inspire readers around the world with his stories of love, life, and the natural world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the story of “The Thief’s Story” explores the theme of redemption and the power of second chances. It is a story of a young boy who has been forced into a life of crime, but eventually comes to realize the error of his ways and seeks to turn his life around. Through his interactions with Anil, he learns valuable lessons about trust, honesty, and hard work, which ultimately lead him towards a path of redemption. The story reminds us that even those who have made mistakes in their past are capable of change and that everyone deserves a second chance.
