The Thief's Story

The Thief's Story Solution, Summary & Word Meaning

A Triumph of Surgery Summary

The story is narrated by a 15-year-old experienced thief who encounters Anil, a 25-year-old man, at a wrestling match. The thief, seeing Anil as an easy target, strikes up a conversation and eventually asks for work. Despite Anil’s inability to pay, he agrees to feed the boy in exchange for cooking, even though the thief lies about his culinary skills.

 

The thief, who changes his name monthly to evade the police, introduces himself as Hari Singh. Anil takes him in, allowing him to sleep on the balcony. Although the thief’s first attempt at cooking is disastrous, Anil good-naturedly offers to teach him. He also promises to educate the boy, teaching him to write and do basic mathematics. The thief recognizes the value of this education, realizing it could open up new opportunities for him.

 

Working for Anil proves to be pleasant. The thief makes small profits by overcharging on groceries, which Anil seems to overlook. Anil’s income is irregular, as he writes for magazines and occasionally sells books. One evening, Anil returns with a bundle of cash from a recent sale and hides it under his mattress.

 

After a month of relatively honest work, the thief decides it’s time to return to his criminal ways. Late at night, he steals 600 rupees from under Anil’s mattress and flees to the train station. However, he hesitates at the crucial moment and misses the train to Lucknow.

 

Wandering the rainy streets, the thief contemplates his actions. He reflects on the different reactions people have when robbed and imagines Anil’s sadness at the betrayal of trust. The thief realizes the potential long-term value of the education Anil was offering, which could surpass the immediate gain from the theft.

 

In a change of heart, he decides to return the money. Sneaking back into Anil’s room, he replaces the now-damp notes under the mattress. The next morning, Anil gives the thief a wet 50-rupee note, subtly indicating his awareness of the theft and return. Instead of confronting the boy, Anil simply states that they will begin writing sentences that day.

 

The story concludes with the thief’s realization that Anil knows about the incident but chooses to forgive and continue teaching him. This act of kindness and trust profoundly affects the young thief, potentially setting him on a path towards a more honest life.

Character Sketches: The Thief’s Story

1. The Thief (Narrator):
– A 15-year-old experienced thief
– Clever and resourceful, able to adapt to different situations
– Changes his name monthly to evade police and former employers
– Initially dishonest, but shows potential for change
– Recognizes the value of education and literacy
– Conflicted between his criminal habits and the desire for a better life
– Capable of reflection and moral reasoning
– Ultimately chooses to return the stolen money, showing growth and conscience

 

2. Anil:
– About 25 years old, described as tall and lean
– A writer who makes money irregularly by selling stories to magazines and books to publishers
– Kind, trusting, and easy-going
– Willing to help others, even at his own expense
– Patient and forgiving, as shown by his willingness to teach the thief
– Observant and intuitive, likely aware of the thief’s small deceptions and the attempted robbery
– Chooses to give the thief a second chance rather than punish him
– Values education and is willing to share his knowledge

Difficult Words and Their Meanings

1. Grunting – Making low, short guttural sounds
2. Appealing – Attractive or interesting
3. Misjudged – Formed a wrong opinion about
4. Queer – Strange or odd
5. Tuck – To push in or fold
6. Greedy – Having an intense desire for wealth or possessions
7. Careless – Not paying attention or not being careful
8. Beam – A ray or shaft of light
9. Unlined – Without wrinkles or lines (referring to a face)
10. Startled – Suddenly shocked or alarmed
11. Hesitated – Paused before saying or doing something
12. Deserted – Empty and abandoned
13. Bazaar – A marketplace or shopping area
14. Maidan – An open space or park in or near a town
15. Chilly – Unpleasantly cold
16. Drizzle – Light rain falling in very fine drops
17. Discomfort – Slight pain or physical unpleasantness
18. Undetected – Not noticed or discovered
19. Clouded – Obscured or darkened by clouds
20. Flattery – Excessive and insincere praise
21. Modestly – In an unassuming or moderate manner
22. Fits and starts – In short, irregular periods of activity
23. Worrying – Feeling or showing concern or anxiety
24. Sighed – Emit a long, deep breath expressing sadness, relief, or tiredness
25. Acceptance – The act of receiving something offered
26. Shelter – A place providing protection from bad weather or danger
27. Excitement – A feeling of great enthusiasm and eagerness

Solution to The Thief’s Story

READ AND FIND OUT

  1. Who does ‘I’ refer to in this story? ‘I’ refers to the narrator, a 15-year-old thief.
  2. What is he “a fairly successful hand” at? He is a fairly successful hand at thieving.
  3. What does he get from Anil in return for his work? Initially, Anil offers to feed him in exchange for cooking. Later, Anil also teaches him to read, write, and do basic math.

READ AND FIND OUT

  1. How does the thief think Anil will react to the theft? The thief believes Anil’s face will show only a touch of sadness, not for the loss of money, but for the loss of trust.
  2. What does he say about the different reactions of people when they are robbed? The thief says that greedy men show fear, rich men show anger, and poor men show acceptance when robbed.
  3. Does Anil realize that he has been robbed? Yes, it’s implied that Anil realizes he has been robbed. The next morning, he gives the thief a 50-rupee note that is still wet from the night’s rain, indicating he knows about the theft and the return of the money. However, he chooses not to confront the thief directly about it.

Think about it

Q1: What are Hari Singh’s reactions to the prospect of receiving an education? Do they change over time? What makes him return to Anil?

A1: Hari Singh’s reactions to education evolve throughout the story:

Initially: He sees education as a means to enhance his thieving skills, thinking, “I knew that once I could write like an educated man there would be no limit to what I could achieve.”

 

Later: His perspective shifts to viewing education as a path to respectability and long-term success. This is evident in his thought, “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.”

 

Hari Singh returns to Anil because:
– He realizes the true value of education beyond just aiding his thievery.
– He sees it as an opportunity for personal growth and becoming a respected person.
– He may have developed an attachment to Anil and appreciation for his kindness.

 

Q2: 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?

A2: Anil doesn’t hand the thief over to the police because:
– He believes in second chances and the transformative power of education.
– He likely sees potential in the boy and wants to give him an opportunity to change.

 

Most people would probably have handed the thief over to the police to punish the crime and protect themselves.

Anil is different from typical employers in these ways:
– He shows exceptional empathy and understanding.
– He prioritizes rehabilitation over punishment.
– He’s willing to take a personal risk by continuing to trust the thief.
– He focuses on the boy’s long-term potential rather than the immediate crime.
– His approach is more nurturing and educational, unlike typical employers who might prioritize their own interests and property.

 

Talk about it

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

People like Anil and Hari Singh can certainly exist in real life, though they may be rare. There are compassionate individuals who, like Anil, believe in second chances and are willing to help others despite personal risk. Similarly, there are people like Hari Singh who, given the right opportunity and guidance, can choose to change their ways. While the story presents an idealized scenario, it reflects real human potential for kindness, forgiveness, and personal growth.

 

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?

Yes, Anil being a struggling writer is significant. It explains several aspects of his behavior:
– His financial instability might make him more empathetic to those in need.
– As a writer, he likely has a deeper understanding of human nature and motivations.
– His creative profession might make him more open-minded and willing to see potential in others.
– Being accustomed to struggle himself, he might be more inclined to give others a chance to improve their lives.

 

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?

While I haven’t personally met anyone, circumstances that could lead a young person to theft might include:
– Extreme poverty or homelessness
– Lack of family support or guidance
– Pressure from peer groups or gangs
– Limited access to education or job opportunities
– Desperation to meet basic needs
– Absence of positive role models
– Exposure to crime at a young age

 

4. Where is the story set? (You can get clues from the names of the persons and places mentioned in it.) Which language or languages are spoken in these places? Do you think the characters in the story spoke to each other in English?

The story appears to be set in North India, likely in or near Lucknow. Clues include:
– Names like Anil and Hari Singh are common in North India
– Mention of the Lucknow Express
– Reference to the Jumna Sweet Shop (Jumna is another name for the Yamuna river)

Languages likely spoken in this area include Hindi, Urdu, and various local dialects. While English is also spoken in India, especially in urban areas, it’s more likely that the characters spoke to each other in Hindi or a local language, given the setting and their backgrounds. The story is probably presented in English for the benefit of the readers, but the actual conversations would likely have been in a local language.