Class 10 English - WEST-BENGAL
Supplementary: The Thief's Story
Supplementary: The Thief's Story by Ruskin Bond is a heartwarming tale about a 15-year-old experienced thief named Hari Singh and his encounter with a kind, trusting 25-year-old writer named Anil. Hari steals money from Anil but experiences a deep inner transformation driven by Anil's unconditional trust and his own desire to learn to read and write. For WBBSE Class 10 students, this chapter is crucial for board exams as it tests narrative comprehension, character analysis, and moral understanding. Questions frequently focus on Hari Singh's character development and the turning point of his life.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Character of Hari Singh
A young, experienced thief who changes his name frequently to hide from the police and former employers before meeting Anil.
Character of Anil
A struggling 25-year-old writer who is kind, simple, trusting, and takes a personal interest in educating Hari Singh.
The Theft and Inner Conflict
Hari steals the money Anil earned from selling a book, but experiences severe guilt and returns back to the house to place the money under the mattress.
Power of Education and Trust
The story highlights how education (learning to read, write, and add numbers) and genuine trust can transform a criminal into a good human being.
Irony of the 'Thief's Story'
Though titled a thief's story, it is ultimately a story of redemption, human empathy, and moral awakening rather than crime.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBSE) Class 10 English exam, this supplementary chapter usually carries around 5 to 8 marks. Common question types include multiple-choice questions (MCQs), short answer questions (SAQs) requiring brief explanations, and descriptive long-answer questions focusing on character sketches of Hari Singh and Anil or the moral significance of the ending.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Hari Singh decide to return the stolen money?
Hari realized that education could give him respect and a much better life than stealing. Moreover, Anil's blind trust and sadness over the lost trust rather than the money touched Hari's conscience.
How did Anil show that he knew about the theft?
Anil showed he knew by giving Hari a fifty-rupee note that was still damp from the previous night's rain when he woke up, but he said nothing, choosing to reform Hari through silent acceptance.
Why does Hari Singh change his name every month?
Hari changes his name every month to stay ahead of the police and his former employers so they cannot trace or catch him.
Learn Supplementary: The Thief's Story with Your AI Tutor
10 different ways to study this chapter. Free for 3 chapters per day.
Lecture
Key Points
Interactive
Quiz
Flashcards